It’s common knowledge to change your oil, maintain your engine, and keep everything clean to get the best usage out of your vehicle for years to come. However, there are some maintenance to-do’s that a lot of drivers often skip or simply don’t do enough because they are not seen as a priority until trouble is afoot.
Here are some of the most important things to get done if you want to keep your car functioning well.
Wheel Balancing
Keeping your wheels balanced is one of the most important safety precautions you should take, so the car wheel balancer is a key piece of machinery that you want to look for in an auto shop. Make sure that the machine is aligned properly and well-kept so that you don’t end up endangering yourself by the time you get on the pavement.
How smoothly your wheels run and how well they distribute the weight of the vehicle at any speed can depend on this. Every time you rotate wheels, it’s wise to get this done to ensure that you aren’t going to spin out and put yourself at greater risk. The frequency of doing this will depend on your own usage and your tires. Generally, it’s good to get it done every few thousand miles for good measure.
Replacing Coolant
Coolant or antifreeze is one of the main components that keep your engine in good working condition. Without it, you are headed toward a path of danger and eventual mechanical ruin. So don’t forget to check on this regularly and to replace it when apt. That is usually a comfortable period apart from each check.
It will inevitably break down over time, and it can ruin your engine and cooling system if you don’t take the time to get it flushed. When your engine overheats, it’s more costs and a whole lot of headaches because of skipping a routine check that shouldn’t cost too much.
Even though you can usually stand to wait a few years between flushes, it’s good to keep this in mind. It’s also important to note that there are different types of coolants that work with different vehicles, so it’s best to check first which type works for your model.
Checking the Air Filter
This is another crucial part of the system that keeps your engine running. The amount of time you can wait to do general maintenance with it depends on how often you drive and in what kinds of conditions you are exposing your vehicle to. It’s still wise to stay updated on how your air filter is because if it’s torn, clogged, or too dirty, this can take a substantial toll on your engine’s performance.
This is one of the cheaper replacements you can do, and you can have it done when your oil is changed. However, most drivers can use an undamaged air filter for around 15 to 30,000 miles.
By doing these, you can increase the lifespan of your vehicle and have an easier time taking it out for a spin whenever you want.
