Congratulations on your new car! The day since you’ve driven it on the road, it starts to lose its life. After all, your car is a machine, and like other machines, it needs proper maintenance. Well, that requires a little effort and time. But are you wondering where to start and how often to do it? This is the main obstacle that almost every new car owner face. These facts help you keep your car running in top condition.
There is some car maintenance you can do at home without a mechanic. Such preventative measures and DIY maintenance of your new car from the beginning will put minimal to no strain on your pockets.
So, here’s a rundown of the maintenance checklist that every new car owner must be aware of.
Short-term Maintenance:
- Tire Pressure And Tread Depth
Tires bear a lot while driving; they withstand debris, snow and other harsh elements. That’s why they need the utmost importance. Keep them inflated every month; also, check the tire pressure before you head for a trip. Further, use a gauge to check your tread depth. The owner’s manual will be your best companion. Check it often for instructions.
- Tire Alignment
In addition to checking tire pressure, you should also keep your tires aligned. The tread wear patterns vary between the back and front tires, depending upon several factors. To keep all of them aligned and enhance their life, you should rotate your tires. How often? Read the owner’s manual.
- Oil And Coolant Levels
Cars run on fluids. Check your oil and coolant fluids every month when the car engine is cool. Even fuel stations check these levels. Moreover, if the levels are low, it leads to several mishaps with the car engine, from minor to serious, if left unchecked. So, refer to the manufacturer’s manual to check the oil and coolant levels manually.
- Engine’s Air Filter
Air filter helps to regulate air into the engine, keeping the debris and particulate at bay. By ensuring that your air filter is running properly, you can lessen your emissions, improve fuel efficiency and most importantly, escalate your engine’s lifespan. Again, you can do this manually; all you need to do is refer to the owner’s manual.
- Headlights And Brakes
If you’re a night driver, then headlights are the most crucial component. Please, do not ignore them! Every month, park your car on a flat surface and check the headlights by turning them on. Check whether both are positioned well and working as they should be. Additionally, keep an eye on brakes. While checking the brakes, request a friend to stand at the back of the car while you check brakes and brakes lights.
Long-term Maintenance:
- Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid is a substance that connects all the components of your vehicle. Like engine oil, it keeps your parts moving together. Therefore, no matter, you own an automatic or manual transmission car, you should get the fluid checked and replaced when required. That way, you’ll ward off expensive transmission damage or replacement.
- Spark Plugs
The spark plugs give energy to your engine by igniting the gas. In simple words, it increases engine efficiency. If it doesn’t function as it supposed to be, then it affects the ultimate performance of your engine. Call in professionals to check and replace the faulty ones. Generally, the manufacturer’s manual recommends how often to replace them.
- Belts And Hoses
Get one step beyond your basic maintenance and examine your belts and hoses in the engine cove. Hoses give direction to the coolant flow so that engine doesn’t overheat. If you observe any cracks or bulges, then that’s the sign of replacement. Similarly, belts too crack, fray, or loosen, which indicates its replacement timing. Remember, they aren’t permanent; sooner or later, you need to replace them. So, check your manufacturer’s manual and replace them accordingly.
Periodical Maintenance:
- Windshield Wiper Blades
Windshield wiper blades can get thrashed thoroughly; therefore, it’s essential to check their performance periodically. It gives you visibility during a rainstorm. So, if you observe water leftovers even after swiping, that’s an indication of getting a new one. Also, read the owner’s manual to replace them on time to keep future surprises at arm’s length.
- Battery
The car battery is a significant part of a healthy running vehicle. The main thing to investigate is whether or not the battery terminal is corroded. Like brakes, it can also get struck by environmental factors to arise hindrances. A simple home remedy – water and baking soda can beat up the corrosion in no time.
The Bottom Line:
As a new car owner, you should keep on the above maintenance checklist handy. But if you’re regularly visiting a mechanic for your car maintenance or car repairs, then it might be the time to get a new one. Additionally, it’s important to repair your car before going on a fun road trip, but if that becomes your daily routine, think about it deeply from monetary terms. Look for something that’s much easier to maintain.
Author Bio:
Hi, I am Olivia Robinson, a writer, and blogger by profession. As I’m a wanderer, I share my experiences through my write-ups in a way that it’s understandable and appealing to the people. I aim to achieve a difference through my writing, which allows my readers to make informed and valuable choices.