9 Tips for Keeping Your Vehicle Well-Maintained

 

No doubt you have seen many a sad vehicle parked along the highway, awaiting a tow truck or some other type of roadside assistance. Perhaps you've had the thought "I sure hope that doesn't happen to me!" The secret to success? Don't skimp on maintenance! A few minutes of maintenance today can save you frustrating delays and hundreds or thousands of dollars down the road. 

1. Check your oil regularly. Why is oil so important to your engine?  It functions as a lubricant. If your oil is low or dirty, this can cause major engine damage over time. Check your oil monthly and follow your vehicle’s recommended oil-change schedule.

2. Keep an eye on tire pressure. Proper tire pressure improves fuel economy, handling, and tire life. Underinflated tires wear out faster and can become dangerous. Make sure to check your tire pressure at least once a month, before long trips and when temperatures suddenly change.

3. Don’t ignore warning lights. Your dashboard lights are your car’s way of saying, “Hey… something’s wrong.” Ignoring your dashboard's lights can make repairs more expensive later.

4. Replace wiper blades when needed. If your windshield wipers squeak, streak, or smear rain across the front windshield, replace the wiper blades. Good visibility is essential for safe driving.

5. Listen for unusual sounds. Cars should not make clunking, grinding, or squealing sounds. If you hear any of these noises from your vehicle, have the mechanic check it out.  Strange noises often warn you about problems before they become serious.

6. Check your battery. A weak battery can leave you stranded at the worst possible moment.  Inspect your battery terminals for corrosion and test the battery if it’s more than a few years old.

7. Follow your maintenance schedule. Following a maintenance schedule helps your vehicle last longer and perform better. Your owner’s manual includes service intervals for:

- Oil changes
- Tire rotations
- Brake inspections
- Fluid replacements
- Filter changes

8. Keep your fluids topped off. Important fluids include: Coolant fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluid, windshield washer fluid, and power steering fluid.

9. Drive gently. Aggressive driving wears out brakes, tires, and engines faster. Smooth acceleration and braking help extend your vehicle’s life and improve fuel efficiency.

At NHSA, our goal is to provide online driver education courses that equip all drivers with what they need to be safe drivers.  Whether you are a teen seeking a learner’s permit, or an adult driver seeking a basic driver safety course, check us out online to see what courses are available in your state!