These days, people's lives are so hectic that they never seem to have the time to maintain their car. It's a shame, because people could end up saving a lot of money and time by taking 10 minutes every now and then to do maintenance.
Here are the most common car maintenance mistakes you should try to avoid:
1) Not making sure their tires are inflated properly - There is no real guess work involved here, recommended tire pressure is clearly printed on the tire. One thing you do need to buy if you don't have one, is a tire pressure gauge. It doesn't have to be fancy, many reliable gauges cost just around five dollars, less in many cases.
This is beneficial in many ways. First of all, because when your tires are at the optimal PSI, your car will burn less gas. Second, you won't have to get new tires as often. Third, a tire that is under or over inflated doesn't perform as well, and can even be dangerous. It can possibly blow and cause an accident.
2) Fluid levels too high or too low - Not only do you need to check the fluid levels but you need to be sure to check them at the correct time in the correct way. For instance, if you own a car in an automatic the car should be warm. On top of the car being warm the parking brake needs to be on and the car in neutral. When checking the engine oil the car again should be warm but in this case the car needs to be turned off. It is important to remember the car must be cold when checking the radiator fluid levels. Not doing so can result in serious injury due to build up.
3) Changing your own oil or not changing your oil regularly - Many people think they are doing themselves a favor by changing their own oil but changing your own oil can end up costing you way more in the long run. First raising your own car to change your oil in the first place can be dangerous. Plus, draining your oil causes a big mess, and then you have the responsibility of getting rid of the old oil.
When you take your car to a maintenance shop they check all the fluids and top any off that need it. They also lubricate the chassis, and change the oil filter. Plus, they can also check if you have an oil leak. If you are leaking oil and at any given time don't have enough oil in your car it car permanently damage your engine.
4) Failing to have the brakes checked or pads changed regularly - When you are driving down the street and apply the brakes do you ever hear a high pitch squeal? That sound is telling you that the brakes have worn down so much that they are scraping against the rotors and drums. Wearing them down to this point can cause and will cause damage the drums and rotors. You'll save a lot of money if you have your brakes checked rather than replacing the brakes pads, drums, and rotors on your car.
5) A loose gas cap - When you gas cap is loose in most cases your engine light will turn on. Many people take their car into the mechanic to find out what the problem is. A diagnostic can be highly expensive and completely avoidable if you just tighten your gas cap after every fill up.
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