Car Maintenance Basics
Car maintenance is one of the most important things you can do, not only for your safety but also, for the longevity of your car. Premier Law Group of Bellevue has put together car maintenance basics to help you know what you need to maintain.
Premier Law Group of Bellevue recommends paying particularly close attention to eight different parts of your car.
The first item is cleaning regularly. This includes cleaning your lights, turn signals, reflectors, and your license plate so other people can see you easily. Making sure your windows are clean inside and out can prevent vision impairment. Making sure your car interior is clean to prevent distractions while you’re driving.
The second area is your tires. Tire pressure and tire treads should be checked weekly. Be sure to check for cuts and damages to the tires. Over-inflated or under-inflated tires can be unsafe.
Checking your battery is an easy way to make sure you don’t get stranded. You can either use a qualified mechanic to test it, use a battery tester, or go to your local automotive store and ask them to test it for you.
More checkpoints for car maintenance
Motor oil is the lifeblood of your car. It should be checked regularly, especially before you go on a long trip. Your oil level should be between the two lines indicated on your oil dipstick
Power steering fluid is another important fluid in your car. If you have a low fluid level your steering can become heavy and your wheel becomes hard to turn. The correct fluid level can be very easy for you to drive your vehicle. Be sure to ask a mechanic to like to take a look if you’re not sure if your power steering fluid is at the right level or if you’re losing fluid.
Making sure you have water and antifreeze in your car is an important part of keeping your radiator from freezing or overheating. Be sure to only open the radiator cap when your engine is cold the water level should be between the max and minimum marks on the water tank.
Checking your windshield regularly for chips or cracks can help you to avoid having to replace your entire windshield. Catching those small chips before they grow into cracks is very important. I can save you a lot of money. Be sure to also check your windshield wipers regularly and replace them when they are worn.
All of your headlights should work properly at all times. Make sure your brake indicator and fog lights work well. Check to make sure that your lights are properly adjusted. Lights that are not properly adjusted or burned-out are often at fault for nighttime driving accidents.
Make a car maintenance kit for your car.
Your car care kit should include a car jack, tire wrench, oil, and other engine fluids, window washer fluid, jumper cables, and flares in case of an emergency. To make your drive more comfortable you should always include water, blankets, sunglasses, a flashlight, a phone charger, and a GPS. Other health and safety essentials include a first aid kit, a reflector vest, and even a small fire extinguisher.
What Your Dashboard Lights Mean
It is important to know what the lights on your dashboard mean.
Tire pressure light-may mean that you need to fill the tires or check for punctures
Handbrake light-means that you need to have your brake fluid checked
Battery light-may means that there is an issue with your battery charging or staying charged.
Oil pressure light-means that you may need to add oil to your engine.
Check engine light means that there are issues with your engine systems
ABS light-indicates an issue with the braking system
Stay on top of your lights and make sure you check them every time you start your car.