Hi there, my name is Nancy. Welcome to my site about automotive maintenance. My car has lasted for more than 10 years without any major problems due to the strict maintenance schedule I follow. Vehicle maintenance includes oil changes, tune ups, tire rotations, alignments and a host of other important services. These services protect the vehicle’s components from excessive wear and unexpected failure. I will use this site to explore all of the different maintenance procedures and schedules available. I hope you can use the information on my site to keep your vehicle in great shape over the years. Thanks for visiting. Come back soon.
If this is your first car, you might not be familiar with all the preventative maintenance it will need. Unfortunately, that can shorten the life of your car. Preventative maintenance can help reduce the chance of unexpected breakdowns. Your owner's manual will provide you with all the details you'll need to schedule your maintenance appointments, including how often the oil should be changed. In addition to the owner's manual, there are a few things you can do to monitor your cars performance. Here's how to look and listen for potential problems.
Look
If you watch closely, your car will show you potential problems. Catching those minor problems early enough can prevent the need for costly repairs. Here's what you should look for.
Drips
Drips and puddles are two of the easiest things to monitor on your car. Fluids like oil, transmission fluid and radiator fluid can leak from your car. Whenever you pull out of the driveway, take a few seconds to look for new drips or puddles. If you notice new drips, schedule an appointment with your mechanic.
Changes in Oil Color
If your oil is getting dirty too quickly, you may have a problem with your engine. You can monitor problems with your oil by looking at the dipstick once a month. It's particularly important to check the dipstick within the first month following an oil change. During the first month, your oil should still be clean. If it's already showing signs of wear, contact your mechanic.
Belt Damage
Your engine operates on a system of belts. Over time, those belts wear out. Your owner's manual will tell you when each of your belts should be replaced. However, you should still conduct monthly inspections to monitor their condition. If any of your belts show signs of damage, such as cracks or tears, you should have them replaced as soon as possible.
Listen
One of the easiest ways to catch car problems is to listen to the sounds it makes. Unusual noises can be a sign that your car is having problems.
Engine Sounds
Engine problems often begin with unusual sounds. When you start your car, listen for sounds that are out of the ordinary, such as high-pitched squeals or rattling sounds. You should continue listening to your car while you're driving. Try to keep the radio low enough to hear the sounds your engine is making while you're driving. If you notice strange sounds, have them checked out by your mechanic.
Brake Sounds
When your brakes are in need of servicing, they'll let you know through a system of sounds. As the pads where out, the metal bracket will be exposed. When that happens, you'll start hearing a high-pitched squeal when you apply the brakes. To prevent further damage, you should have your brakes repaired as soon as you hear the high-pitched squeals.
To stay in proper working order, your car needs preventative maintenance. You can catch minor problems by looking and listening to your car. Use the tips described above to keep your car in tiptop shape.
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