If you?re reading this article, chances are that you?ve recently purchased a new car or want to keep your current car in pristine condition. Congratulations! Car ownership comes with freedom and mobility and a few responsibilities. Did you know that the economy?s price tag for failing to properly care for vehicles is $2 billion per year? Its true, but these costs can be avoided! From tires to tailgate, investing a little TLC into your automobile will be rewarded with miles of reliability and adventure. These are some of the best ways to maintaining your vehicle: Nothing could be scarier than losing control of your ability to stop your car. Avoid this scenario by regularly checking your brakes. Like tires, your brakes will last you a long time or between 50,000 to 75,000 miles to be specific. Replacing parts like brake pads are far cheaper to resolve than the whole brake system as they wear down. Plus, it is always better to be prepared by ensuring that your brakes are in good working condition! Last but certainly not least, it is just as essential to check your oil levels and hoses as it is to check your tires and brakes. Your local friendly auto mechanic will be able to recommend the best oil change schedule for your vehicle. If you don?t change your oil regularly, you run a chance of blowing out your engine when your car?s oil levels dip too low. By maintaining vehicle belts and hoses at the same time, you can avoid potential breakdowns. About twenty percent of all automobiles need a new hose or belt upon further inspection.
Tires sustain some of the most wear and tear on your car, so it is essential to care for them regularly. You can use a penny to easily check the treads on your tires. Just place the penny, head upside down, on the inside of a tread. If you can?t see Lincoln?s head, then you have more than 2/32 of the tires? tread left. If you can, you need new tires. Not only are tires important for your car?s health, they are important for personal and public safety reasons too. Ensure your tires have the correct amount of pressure to avoid the over 400 fatalities, over 10,000 injuries and 78,000 accidents caused annually by flat tires or blowout, per a 2003 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report. You should also rotate your tires every 7,500 miles and monitor your tire alignment every 6,000 miles. As always, follow your manufacturer?s instructions for any milestones, as their instructions will be tailored specifically for the health of your vehicle.
When in doubt or if you have any questions, your local and affordable auto repair services will be well-equipped to service your vehicle and provide answers about maintenance. Best of luck as you embark in this exciting new journey of car ownership!
