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Your vehicle is probably one of the most significant financial investments you will ever make. So, keeping your car running well and looking great will help to ensure that your investment has a long, happy life. Here are some tips to prolong the life of your vehicle!
3 Important Tips to Make Your Car Last Longer
- Don’t ignore dashboard warning lights – There are a few dashboard warning lights, like the low fuel warning light, that come on and are nothing really serious. However, there are some lights that do require immediate attention.
- Battery alert warning light – The battery alert warning light is a sign that the battery charging levels are low, indicating that either the battery needs to be replaced, the battery terminals are deteriorating, or the alternator belt is malfunctioning.
- Check engine warning light – The check engine warning light could be an indication of either a catalytic converter issue, a faulty oxygen sensor, faulty spark plugs or a loose gas cap. Your mechanic can further diagnosis the issue.
- Coolant temperature warning light – The coolant temperature warning light is an indication that your car’s temperature has reached a dangerous level and could result in the car overheating. If this light comes on, pull over and allow the car to cool down completely. Then, make sure the coolant isn’t leaking, by checking the coolant levels.
- Oil pressure warning light – The oil pressure warning light indicates that either the oil levels or the oil pressure is low. If this light comes on, check the oil levels.
- Perform regular brake maintenance – Your vehicle’s braking system performs a vital role- it helps you to be able to stop your vehicle efficiently and quickly. There are 2 types of brakes- disc and drum. Modern vehicles feature disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the rear. Older vehicles feature drum brakes in both the front and the rear. Disc brakes feature- caliper, disc and pad, while drum brakes feature- drum and shoe.
- Calipers don’t normally need to be replaced unless there’s a mechanical issue with them. Brake discs should be replaced every 25,000 to 50,000 miles, depending on your driving habits. When it comes to the brake pads, they should be inspected every 12,000 miles and replaced every 25,000 miles. As far as brake drums, they should be replaced about every 200,000 miles. Lastly, it is recommended that you change the brake shoes between 30,000 miles and 70,000 miles.
- Perform regular fluid checks – Checking and replacing your car’s various fluids is essential to help prevent engine damage and wear. Here is a basic guide on when each of the fluids should be changed.
- Brake fluid – As a general rule of thumb, you should replace the brake fluid every 2 years.
- Motor oil – It is recommended that you change the motor oil every 3,000 miles if you’re using traditional motor oil or every 5,000 miles if you’re using synthetic blends.
- Power steering fluid – As a general rule, the power steering fluid should be replaced every 3 years or every 30,000 miles, whichever comes first.
- Radiator fluid – It is recommended that you have the radiator flushed and the fluids changed about every 3 years.
- Transmission fluid – Different vehicles require different types of transmission fluid. How often you’ll need to change the transmission fluid is based on the recommendations of your vehicle’s manufacturer.
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