Keeping your car safe on the road isn’t just about looking for warning lights and getting an oil change once every few months. Although these are important, there are many more ways to be proactive about your vehicle so that it stays safe on the road. Not only will it protect you, but it will also protect others on the road. If you want to avoid being stranded on the road or, even worse, getting injured in an accident as a result of mechanical failure, then proper car maintenance is essential. Here are nine tips for keeping your vehicle safe and sound:
Keep Your Car Clean
As a car owner, it is your responsibility to keep your vehicle clean on the inside and out. This will help prevent damage from occurring when you drive and keep flying objects from being able to hurt anyone in an accident. Remove dirt and dust from all interior surfaces. If you have children or pets, it can be easy for dirt to build up throughout the year on their favorite spots like floors, seats, and even headrests. Vacuuming regularly will remove this buildup so that it doesn’t turn into something more serious later on down the line. Additionally, keeping extra items contained can make a big difference in the safety of your car.
Check Your Tire Pressure
Tire pressure is another area that you can check every month to make sure your tires are in good shape. You’ll want to check your tire pressure when the tires are cold, meaning they haven’t been driven for at least three hours. You’ll need a car tire pressure gauge. It’s important to make sure that the tires are not overfilled but that they are not low either. There should be an air pressure sticker on the inside of your car door, which will provide information on how many pounds per square inch (psi) each tire should be inflated to.
Check Driving Belts
You might not think about it, but your car’s belts are a critical safety feature. They keep your engine running smoothly and prevent damage to other components in the process. If you see cracks or wear on any of them, take them to a mechanic for replacement immediately. In addition to helping your car run better and longer, this simple step can also reduce the risk of expensive repairs down the line for other parts of your vehicle. It can also protect you from getting stranded on the road in a dangerous or inconvenient location.
Maintain Proper Fluid Levels
You need adequate levels of oil, water, and windshield washer fluid. It’s especially important to check these levels before you go on a long trip. Check your oil levels by pulling out the dipstick when the engine is cold. Pull it out and look at the color and the level. Dark brown, thick coffee-colored oil is not good and can indicate a problem. The oil should be translucent and up to the right level on the indicator stick. Check your windshield washer fluid. It’s important to be able to clean your window when dirt or debris gets on them. This will ensure you have a good line of sight. Water or radiator fluid helps to keep your engine from overheating.
Get Your Tires Rotated and Balanced
The first step to a safer, smoother ride is to get your tires rotated. Tires should be rotated every 6,000 to 10,000 miles—or every 6 months—for maximum life and performance. If you’re noticing uneven wear on your tires or uneven tread wear across all four tires—if it looks like there’s some balding happening in different places—then those might need replacing. You can check that by using an inexpensive tread depth gauge at any auto parts store or having a professional check them.
Replace Filters When Needed
It’s easy to forget about the filters in your car, but they’re important. The air filter, oil filter, and fuel filter are the most important filters in a vehicle. They help prevent damage to critical components of your engine. If you don’t replace them when needed, it can cause serious damage to your engine that could be very expensive to repair.
Consider Getting a Yearly Alignment Check
Alignment should be checked regularly, but if you’re unsure when it’s time for an alignment check or what to look for when checking for proper alignment, here are some helpful tips. Pay attention to your steering wheel. The car will pull to one side or the other when you drive on a rough road, but if this happens frequently and gets worse throughout the day, then it might be time to get an alignment check.