Car Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid

Taking care of your car is important since it is likely one of the most expensive purchases you’ve made, aside from your home. Unfortunately cars don’t take care of themselves, so that’s where your role comes in. Regular vehicle maintenance has several benefits, including helping your vehicle to last longer, increasing overall vehicle safety, keeping all the parts functioning properly, keeping your car running smoothly and reducing the risk of serious problems down the road. Do you know which common car maintenance mistakes to avoid?

**Full Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

Car Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid

Driving on bald tires – Driving with bald tires is dangerous and unsafe. It can cause an increased chance of hydroplaning in wet conditions, as well as an increased risk of a flat tire or sudden blowout, just to name a couple of hazards. On average, new car tires have a tread depth of 10/32” to 11/32.” Tires are considered almost worn out when they have a tread depth of 3/32” and are considered legally bald when they have a tread depth of 2/32” or lower.

Ignoring dashboard warning lights – Dashboard warning lights are an indication that your vehicle is trying to tell you something. It is important to note that not all dashboard warning lights are the same and can vary by vehicle make and model. However, the light colors are universal. A red light indicates a serious issue that requires immediate attention. A yellow/amber light indicates an issue that’s not urgent but does need to be checked out soon. A blue/green light indicates that a system is on and/or operating. Dashboard Symbols is an excellent resource on dashboard warning lights, complete with color descriptions and symbol meanings.

Disregarding safety recalls – Vehicle safety recalls occur when either a vehicle manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determines that a vehicle, equipment, tires or child car seat causes a safety risk or it fails to meet the minimum safety requirements set by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. In the event a safety defect is discovered, manufacturers must notify the NHTSA and the vehicle owner. However, through the NHTSA website, you can check if there are any safety issues and/or recalls, of your vehicle, equipment, tires or car seat, at any time.

Putting off fluid level checks – Keeping up with fluid level checks is essential to ensure your car runs smoothly. There are 6 essential fluids that should be checked, replenished and/or changed. They are: brake fluid, coolant, engine oil, power steering fluid, transmission fluid and windshield washer fluid. For help with checking these fluids, Popular Mechanics has a great guide – How to Check the 6 Essential Fluids in Your Car.

Don’t make these common car maintenance mistakes! Keep your vehicle is good working order for a safer, longer-lasting vehicle.

East Hills Jeep will help you with all your vehicle maintenance needs!