5 Basic Car Maintenance Tips Every Driver Should Know

Owning a car means making Car Maintenance sure it’s always in top running shape. Not only does this ensure your safety on the road, but it also helps prevent costly damages that could render your car to the junk heap. There are several important things you should be doing to maintain your vehicle and you’ll find that each of them is an investment in the lifespan and performance of your car. Vehicles are expensive, so you want to keep yours as long as you can. Here’s how.

Read the Owner’s Manual

Your vehicle’s owner’s manual is a treasure trove of important information. It’s packed with instructions on how to operate the various systems – heating, air conditioning, lights, etc. and what to do if you notice an issue. This should always be your first stop in proper maintenance of your car. Your owner’s manual should always be stored in the glove box, so you can easily find it anytime you need it.

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Inspect the Vehicle Regularly

This is an easy way to stay on top of things and allows you to easily identify potential issues. Inspecting your vehicle involves looking at the tires, the brake pads, the lights (to be sure you don’t have any burnt out bulbs) and under the hood. If you do this on a regular basis, it will be easy to see when something needs your attention before it causes bigger problems, including safety issues. You can also have your car checked by a professional every year or half year if you feel better leaving it to the experts.

Check Your Tires

Your tires are a very important component of your car, so they should be checked often. That includes checking the air pressure, visually checking for damage or wear and tear and making sure they are rotated and changed as needed. Not doing this could put your safety at risk every time you get behind the wheel. Repairs will often cost less if you lease your vehicle from a leasing company as they will still be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Intelligent Car Leasing provides UK car leasing and contract hire deals to personal and business customers throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Check Engine Oil Level

Waiting until your check oil light comes on is a big mistake because by then the levels are too low and there could be damage to your engine. It’s your job to check your oil regularly and add more as needed. Of course, if you’re uncomfortable with the process, make a standing appointment to have your oil changed and checked every few thousand miles or every couple of months.

Inspecting Light Bulbs

This is a pretty easy job and doing it yourself saves a lot of time and money. Simply have someone press the brakes for you and check to be sure all the bulbs are lighting up. Then turn on the headlights and taillights and do the same. If you notice any bulbs are burned out, simply remove the plastic cover, pull out the old bulb and insert a new one. Any auto parts store will be able to help you find the proper replacement bulb.