Car mechanic repairing vehicle engine working job.
Like all machines, cars need regular upkeep. When they don’t get it, they can run poorly or even break down. Although it can be inconvenient to take your car to a mechanic for regular maintenance, it’s essential for its health. Consult your owner’s manual and make note of crucial maintenance milestones.
The following are common mistakes that can shorten your car’s life.
Failure to Rotate Tires
Today’s tires last on average 50,000 miles before needing to be replaced – but if you don’t have them rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles, it could cut their life in half. Regular rotation ensures your tires wear more evenly and last longer.
Missing Recommended Oil Changes
Motor oil that isn’t changed regularly can become thick and dirty, causing the engine to overheat and leading to premature wear and tear. Check your car’s manual for recommended intervals. The average is every 5,000-7,000 miles for regular motor oil and up to 15,000 miles for synthetic oil.
Ignoring Brake Problems
The owner’s manual will indicate how often your car’s brake pads should be replaced – typically every 50,000 miles. If you hear a grinding noise or feel a thud when you step on the brakes, however, have them checked out promptly, because the brake pads may be wearing down. If you ignore the problem, you could end up damaging the brake rotors, which are expensive to replace.
Not Using the Right Parts
There are dozens of brands of spark plugs, filters, and other off-brand components advertised as fitting your car’s make and model. These knockoffs may cost less than name-brand parts, but they don’t always perform as well and could shorten the life of your car. Always buy the parts recommended by your car’s manufacturer.
Not Having Wheels Aligned
If you hit a pothole or curb, a wheel can get knocked out of alignment – an all-too-common occurrence in NYC. If you notice that your car is pulling to one side or the steering wheel is crooked when your car is driving straight, have the alignment checked. When wheels are out of alignment, tires wear out much more quickly.
Skipping the Car Wash
Salt, chemicals, and mud all dull automobile paint and can lead to premature rusting if not promptly removed. Regular visits to the car wash will go a long way toward protecting your car’s finish, and while you’re there, be sure to have the undercarriage sprayed – where mud and gunk are most likely to build up.
Trashing the Interior
Sand, grit, and crumbs can wreak havoc on seats and floorboards. Vacuum regularly, remove stains promptly, and wipe away dirt, dust, and grime from the dashboard, doors, and console to help your car’s interior last longer.
Skipping Checkups
If you wait until a problem becomes obvious, your car may already have sustained extensive damage. The best way to protect your car is to schedule a professional checkup annually, to keep an eye on spark plugs, the distributor cap, and valves.
Ignoring Fluid Levels
To make sure your car stays in good shape between annual checkups, check fluid levels each month and top them off, as directed by your owner’s manual – including motor oil, brake fluid, coolant, windshield washer fluid, and power steering fluid. Low fluid levels can lead to engine damage and other problems.
Guessing at Tire Pressure
The correct pressure for your car’s tires will be listed in the owner’s manual or printed on a sticker either inside the door jamb or on the inside of the fuel filler door. Incorrect tire pressure can lead to steering problems, shortened tire life, or tire failure, increasing the risk of an accident.
Ignoring Odd Noises
Rattles, bangs, and squeals are signs something is wrong with your car. If you hear odd noises while driving, have your car checked out ASAP. The longer you wait, the more damage the problem could cause, costing a whole lot more in the end.
Not Driving the Car
Never leave your car sitting for too long. When cars sit for months, they can develop misshapen tires, batteries can go bad, and other parts can rot or fail. Even if you’re not using it regularly, start your car weekly, and drive it at least once a month.
Source: Bob Vila
