Conducting regular maintenance of your car lets you avoid costly breakdowns. It also extends the life of used cars in raleigh and ensures the safety of its passengers. It is best to have a professional look at your car every now and then but you can handle basic routine maintenance.
Read the owner’s manual.
Every vehicle comes with an owner’s manual. It is vital to read this before you use the car. If you are unable to find a copy, there could be an electronic version online. You can also contact your dealer for a copy. Check the maintenance schedule section. There are several maintenance items you should take note of. This includes engine oil and filter, belts and hoses, and tire rotation. Ensure you know the proper intervals for such maintenance.
Change oil and oil filter.
Oil serves as a lubricant that keeps engine parts from grinding against each other. It prevents the destruction of the engine. The engine accumulates contaminants when you do not change the motor oil. It causes friction that rubs the parts together. The engine gets damaged because of this.
Inspect the tires.
To lessen the chance of a blowout, it is crucial that the tires are well-inflated. Knowing the correct tire pressure is also vital. This information is also in the owner’s manual. You can also find this on the driver’s door jamb. Checking the spare tire is also ideal. It is best to inflate tires when they are cold or driven less than one mile. It provides a more accurate reading. Confirm all pressures with a tire gauge.
Check all other fluids.
There are other fluids you need to check aside from the motor oil. The brake and transmission fluids, coolant, and washer fluid are also essential. Use a dipstick to check transmission fluid like you do with motor oil. You can remove the covers and inspect the brake fluid, coolant, and washer fluid visually. Remember to never remove the radiator cap when checking coolant or you will get scalded. What you can do is to check that level in the nearby transparent refill container.
Look at the belts and hoses.
It would be better if you can inspect the hoses and belts in the engine bay. The hoses direct coolant flow to prevent the engine from overheating. Replace a hose if it separates or shows any cracks or bulges.
The timing belt is critical to the operation of the engine. Replace it if it shows signs of wear. Be wary of cracking, glazing, and material loss.
Aside from the items above, you should also check the wiper blades, the battery, and the air filter. Replace the wiper if the windows streak or the blades screech when the system operates. Ensure that the battery terminals stay free from corrosion. Replace the air filter once or twice a year.