The 6 Best (and Basic) Car Prevention Checks You Can Do

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When it comes to looking after our car, prevention is key. If your car is starting to falter and you want to make your car go longer, there are so many essentials that you need to check. Looking after your car, keeping it in proper running order takes a little bit of effort but you don’t need to be a skilled mechanic to do a lot of these things. Let’s show you exactly what you can do to prevent your car from getting into more problems. 

Waxing the Vehicle

Making sure you wax the vehicle every six months after washing doesn’t just keep it shiny but it will keep the paint in good shape and minimize any chance of rust. If you ever have any issues with the exterior of your vehicle beyond rust, you can always take it to an auto repair shop for a second opinion, but because there are so many irritants in the air like sand, dust, and salt, they can cause microscopic damage that the naked eye won’t notice. Waxing prevents this by forming a protective seal. 

Maintaining Tire Pressure and Tread Depth

Well-maintained tires are crucial to a fuel-efficient ride. Check the pressure on your tires every month and before any long trips. And it’s also important to check the spare tire. During the colder months, tire pressure can drop 1 lb with every 10 degrees decrease in pressure, so keeping on top of this is vital. 

Check the Oil and Coolant

Every month you need to check under the hood of the car and inspect the coolant and oil levels. Make sure you do this while the engine is cool. Low levels of oil or coolant can cause engine problems in the long run. 

Look at the Lights

Once a month put the headlights on, and park in front of a flat surface. Check that the headlights are working properly and positioned appropriately. You should also inspect the turn signals and parking lights. You should also have someone stand behind the car when you engage the brakes to make sure that they are functioning properly. 

Rotating the Tires

Depending on the alignment of your vehicle, the tread wear patterns can vary between the front and the back tires. Rotating the tires can help to extend their life by balancing the tread wear and preventing any vibration and noise problems. 

Check the Oil and Filter

Keeping the oil team is vital for the engine’s health. You may need to change the oil and the filter every 3,000 miles or every 3-months. This is where you need to check the owner’s manual or consult with a professional to make sure that you are doing this appropriately. 

There’s a lot that we need to consider. But the fact is that in the short term, prevention is always key. Keeping your car in running order is not easy, especially if you don’t have time. But the biggest hurdle is knowing what needs to be done and how often. Check these components and your car will be fighting fit.