What is Entailed in General Car Maintenance?

The wintertime is not the time to guess if your car is going to perform for you or not. If
money is an issue for you, then you should become even more diligent about general car
maintenance. A regular schedule of maintenance in conjunction with a bumper-to-bumper
inspection can help you to control and reduce auto repair bills and boost fuel efficiency.
When you know what tasks that need to be done and when they should be done, you will
have a car that will last longer and provide the service you need and want. Many sources
recommend various maintenance schedules for you to follow, but it is always best to consult
your owner’s manual and adhere to the schedule that is recommended therein.

Inspect, Replace, and Repair

A bumper-to-bumper inspection would include all of the systems on your car, including the
heating and cooling systems, braking, transmission, and steering and suspension systems.
Everything from headlights to taillights is inspected to make sure that everything is in
working order. The purpose of a complete inspection is akin to the same purpose of a person
having a doctor exam. The exam is to check for any problems and to monitor the health of
your body. An inspection will not only help you to find, repair, or replace worn and broken
parts, it is also used to provide a snapshot of the health of your car.

Top it Off or Replenish the Reservoirs

Fluid checks are one of the easiest maintenance tasks you can perform for your car. Some
people only check the brake fluid and oil and fail to check the other fluids. You should also
make sure you check transmission fluid, coolant, and window washer fluid. Some systems
are closed and do not allow you to add fluid to it. In those cases, you need to take your car
to a qualified mechanic so that it can be done for you. Do not forget to change the oil and air
filters when you change the oil. Regular fluid checks can reveal any leaks or other problems
that may be developing. Frequently topping off fluids could mean that you have a leak
somewhere that needs to be repaired as soon as possible. Leaks could result in severe
damage to your car, impact performance, and result in high repair bills and increased fuel
usage.

Do Not Neglect the Small Things

Do not let your attention to the major components of your car distract from taking care of
the small things. If you see any lights that do not illuminate when they should, you should
replace them immediately to avoid accidents or traffic tickets. You should keep your
headlights clean and keep debris from collecting in the license plate well. Inspect, rotate,
and balance your tires so that you will have good handling and traction in the winter
elements. Even the smallest of tasks such as keeping your car cleaned to keep road salt from
accumulating will help keep your car on the road longer. Keep a winter safety kit in your car
and keep it stocked with the necessities that you may need if you are stranded. Make sure
your cell phone is adequately charged and carry a fully charged battery with you whenever
you travel.