Car maintenance basics

Many drivers are unaware that their vehicle may need a little maintenance every now and then to continue running. Some maintenance you can do yourself, while you might need to get some other services done by professionals. Here are some of the basics to regular car maintenance so you can know when to perform a check-up or get your vehicle serviced: Where to find informationThe best source to learn about your vehicle’s recommended maintenance intervals and practices is in your owner’s manual. The car maker should detail when you need to do routine maintenance. Because the manual was written by experts, it is your best source to learn about your vehicle. Unfortunately, too many drivers never consult this manual and may instead guess when they need to perform maintenance checks and services.

Maintenance you need to doThere are several maintenance practices you should perform on your car from time to time, or you could run the risk of major engine trouble later. In an April 2013 study, the Car Care Council found that, 22 percent of cars have dirty or low engine oil, and 20 percent have inadequate cooling protection.

Fortunately, changing the engine oil and adding coolant are some of the easier maintenance routines to perform or are inexpensive to get done at a service station. In general, you should be aware of all the different fluids in your vehicle and when it is necessary to change them. Additionally, things like air filters and engine belts may need to be replaced from time to time. If you are unsure what needs to be replaced in your car, you should consider taking it in for a checkup with a licensed mechanic. Scheduling a visitIf you know what maintenance needs to be done and what the mile intervals are, you should look around for the best prices to get your car serviced. While you might be able to perform some maintenance yourself, you should bring your car to professionals if you are unsure. Preparing ahead of time by knowing when you will need to perform routine maintenance and how much it will cost can help you budget for these expenses better and not be caught off guard by the amount. Getting coverageWhile you should perform maintenance tasks regularly to keep your car functioning properly and performing to its best ability, you should also be sure to get adequate insurance coverage.

Most states require at least a minimum level of liability insurance, but you should check out policies that fit your budget and will help you in the case of an accident. Additionally, you should invest in a vehicle service contract to help you cover the cost of certain covered repairs if your car breaks down. As your vehicle ages, the need for repairs can increase. If you don’t have coverage, you could be faced with potentially steep expenses if your vehicle breaks down. The Car Care Council is not affiliated with Toco Warranty Corp. and has not endorsed Toco Warranty products and services. Article Resource: https://www.tocowarranty.com/TocoCares/Blog/Car-maintenance-basics