Taking care of a car can sometimes feel like a full-time job, but a little know-how goes a long way. Many car owners, even those who love their vehicles, make small mistakes that can lead to bigger, more expensive problems down the road. By learning about these common slip-ups, you can keep your car running smoothly.
This post will guide you through five common car maintenance mistakes and how to avoid them.
Ignoring Your Tires
One of the most common mistakes is not regularly checking tire pressure. Under-inflated tires wear out unevenly, reduce fuel efficiency, and are a serious safety hazard.
Get into the habit of checking your tire pressure once a month. Most gas stations have air pumps, and a reliable tire gauge is an inexpensive tool to keep in your glove box. Also, don’t forget to rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles for even tire wear.
Skipping Oil Changes
Engine oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. It lubricates moving parts, reduces friction, and keeps the engine clean. Delaying an oil change allows dirt and sludge to build up, which forces your engine to work harder, causing damage.
Check your owner’s manual for the recommended oil change interval. For many modern cars, it’s longer than the old 3,000-mile rule. Sticking to a schedule of regular maintenance that keeps your car safe is one of the easiest ways to extend your engine’s life.
Overlooking Fluid Levels
Your car relies on more than just oil to function properly. Brake fluid, coolant, transmission fluid, and even windshield washer fluid are all important as well. Forgetting to check these leads to issues like an overheating engine and brake failure.
Once a month, pop the hood and visually inspect the fluid reservoirs. Most have clear markings to indicate “full” and “low” levels. Topping them off is a simple task that prevents major issues.
Neglecting the Undercarriage
What you can’t see can definitely hurt your car. The undercarriage can rust and corrode from exposure to road salt, moisture, and debris. Many owners never inspect this area, leading to surprise repairs for damaged exhaust systems, brake lines, or suspension components.
Give your car’s underside a thorough rinse, especially after winter. For a better look, use a car lift to safely inspect the undercarriage for any signs of trouble before they become big ones.
Ignoring Warning Lights
That little light on your dashboard is there for a reason. While it can be tempting to ignore a check engine light, especially if the car seems to be running fine, it’s an early indicator of a problem. Putting it off can turn a minor sensor issue into a costly engine repair.
When a warning light comes on, don’t wait. Have a professional diagnose the issue as soon as possible. Addressing the problem early is almost always the cheaper and safer option.
Keeping Your Car in Top Shape
Learning these five common car maintenance mistakes and how to avoid them doesn’t require being a master mechanic. By staying on top of these simple tasks, you’ll ensure a safer, more reliable car for years.
