You need to do more than just put gas in your car to keep it running properly. There are several small but essential fixes that can be easy to overlook, but they are also crucial for maintaining the health of your vehicle. Oftentimes, these neglected quick fixes will lead to much bigger issues and higher repair bills. As a former mechanic, there are several things you should stop ignoring to keep your car running smoothly. Here are 10 of them.
1. Changing the Oil Regularly
Skipping oil changes is a huge no-no. Yet, it is one of the most common mistakes car owners make. Your engine relies on fresh oil to prevent overheating. As your oil sits in your car, it gets thicker, making it lose its ability to lubricate properly. In the long run, this leads to engine wear and could even cause your engine to fail. If your vehicle’s oil light comes on, don’t ignore it. You’re already overdue for an oil change at this point. The best thing you can do is follow your manufacturer’s recommendations for oil change intervals.
2. Replacing Worn Brake Pads
Brakes are essential for your car’s safety. Not replacing them regularly can also cause unnecessary wear and tear on your vehicle. Ignoring the signs of worn-out brake pads can be dangerous and could potentially lead to a costly repair, especially if it damages your rotors. Replacing brake pads is relatively inexpensive compared to the damage caused by letting them wear out completely. It’s a fairly quick fix that could save your life.
3. Addressing Tire Pressure Issues
It’s easy to ignore the low tire pressure light on your dashboard. After all, it doesn’t seem like a huge deal, right? However, ignoring low tire pressure can lead to poor fuel efficiency and uneven tire wear. Not to mention, driving on under-inflated tires can increase your risk of a blowout. This puts yourself and other people on the road in danger. Invest in a tire pressure gauge and check your tire pressure monthly. This quick fix can extend the life of your tires and possibly even save you money at the gas pump.
4. Replacing Burnt-Out Headlights
In most places, it is illegal to drive with one or more burnt-out headlights. Having a non-functioning headlight reduces your visibility at night. It also makes it harder for other people to see you on the road. Replacing a headlight bulb is not difficult or expensive. In fact, you can do it at home with a few basic tools. Ignoring this could lead to you getting a ticket or causing an accident.
5. Flushing the Coolant System
The cooling system in your car is a critical part of regulating the engine’s temperature. Coolant will break down over time and lose its effectiveness. If you don’t flush the system and replace the fluid, the engine will start overheating. It can also cause corrosion and lead to some fairly expensive repairs. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended schedule and make it a priority to keep the system clean.
6. Fixing Windshield Cracks
No one wants to be driving behind a truck to have a small rock kicked up from the road and crack your windshield. It’s a bummer. That said, cracks in your windscreen should be addressed promptly. Extreme temperatures or driving over a pothole can turn the smallest of cracks into a large one, which will obstruct your view. If caught early, windshield repairs can be relatively inexpensive. However, if you wait until the crack spreads, it’s likely you’ll have to replace the entire thing. So, make sure you take care of it as soon as possible.
7. Replacing Air Filters
The air filters in your vehicle help keep out dust, dirt, and other debris. If your air filter is clogged, it can impact fuel efficiency, engine performance, and the quality of air inside your car. This is a really easy, quick fix that you can DIY. It is generally recommended to change them every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, depending on your specific driving conditions. Keeping your filters clean ensures your engine breathes properly and runs smoothly.
8. Rotating Tires
Tire rotation is another thing that many people neglect that can not only help you extend the life of your tires, but it will also impact the car’s overall performance. When your tires are not rotated regularly, it can lead to poor traction and a rough ride. More importantly, it can impact your fuel efficiency and how the car runs. Mechanics often recommend rotating your tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles to ensure even wear.
9. Checking Battery Health
If your battery isn’t working properly, it can leave you stranded. It is natural for batteries to lose power over time. Every car will need a new battery at some point, but it is common for this to be overlooked until your car doesn’t start. Most auto parts stores will test your battery for free and it’s a good idea to check every so often, especially if your battery is getting old. Don’t wait to be stuck on the side of the road.
10. Tightening Loose Belts and Hoses
Unfortunately, belts and hoses tend to go unnoticed until they break. When they do finally snap, it can lead to some serious issues, potentially even engine failure. You should take a look under the hood every so often to check for any signs of wear or looseness. Cracks, fraying, or visible wear should be addressed as soon as possible. Keeping an eye on this will help prevent you from facing a costly repair.
Stay Ahead of Car Troubles
When you want your car to have a long, healthy life you need to maintain it well. It doesn’t have to be complicated, but you need to pay attention to these small, quick fixes. It will help you extend the life of your car and potentially save you money on avoidable trips to the shop. Your mechanic wants to help you, but they’d rather you take care of your vehicle and address these things before they become serious issues.