Like most things, our vehicles will last longer the better we take care of them. To help your vehicle live a healthier, longer lifespan, here are some maintenance tasks that you or a mechanic should implement every 6 months or so…
Check Your Tire Pressure
Consult your owner’s manual for the correct tire pressure for your tires. You can check it with a hand pressure gauge yourself or drop by your dealership or oil change service station and just let a tech do it for you. Before long road trips, make sure your spare is also properly inflated.
Check Your Oil Levels
You should probably be checking your oil even more frequently than every 6 months, but regardless, a bi-annual check is a good time to check your oil levels and make sure everything in that system is looking fine. However, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on it. When it’s time to change your oil (usually every 3,000 miles or so), be sure to put in a new oil filter simultaneously.
Check the Radiator and Coolant
Make sure that all your important fluids including your coolant are topped off to lessen the chances of your car overheating. It’s a good idea to include extra coolant, a gallon container full of water, as well as other emergency supplies in your car. The extra coolant and water may come in handy if your car overheats and help protect your engine from damage.
Monitor Your Air Conditioning
We all know how important your air conditioner can be on a hot day. Air conditioning systems are complicated to repair so it’s a good idea not to run it relentlessly. At the first signs that your system isn’t cooling as it normally should, take your car into a shop and let a pro look at it. Most likely your problem will be a low level of refrigerant caused by a leak.
Clean Your Battery
In the winter, it’s common to run into a battery that can’t hold a charge. Conversely, in the summer, you could run into a situation where the battery will overcharge. The best way to prevent both types of battery problems is to make it a point to clean your battery on a bi-annual basis. It doesn’t take long, but it can save you from a headache and expenses later on.
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