Important Car Servicing and Maintenance Tips

Most vehicle owners know to get the oil of their car or truck changed regularly, but may neglect other routine maintenance and servicing, leading to added wear and tear on the vehicle's parts, and a shorter lifespan for the vehicle overall. Note a few important car servicing and maintenance jobs you'll want to have done even before these parts act up or break down, and check with the vehicle's owner's manual or your mechanic to find out when this work should be done for your vehicle in particular.

Tyres 

Tyre alignment and balancing are very important, as this will ensure the tyres move smoothly and evenly while you're on the road, without pulling to one side or the other. It's also good to do a more regular inspection of the tyres for bulging areas along the outside of the rubber and for wires that may be poking out of the tread. Bulges are air pockets that weaken the rubber and put you at increased risk of a blowout, and wires that poke out from the treads are actually belts that are supposed to hold the tyre together. If you notice either of these problems, have that tyre replaced immediately, and do this visual and physical inspection more often if you regularly drive on gravel roads or on very hot asphalt, as these surfaces can wear down tyre rubber somewhat quickly.

Brakes

Beyond changing the vehicle's brake pads when necessary, it's good to clean out the area around the brakes, as rust, dirt, dust and other such debris can cause early corrosion and wear. When washing your car, spray the water around the inside of the tyres, under the car, to remove as much brake dust and debris as possible. When you have the pads replaced, have your mechanic turn the rotors; this refers to smoothing down the metal pieces the brakes grip, for easier stopping and less wear and tear on those pads.

Battery

Don't wait until your car struggles to start to have its battery checked and recharged; a low battery can put added wear and tear on the starter and on all electrical components of the vehicle. An auto parts store may test your battery for free, or your mechanic can usually test and recharge the battery for a very small fee. It can be especially important to have the battery tested after a long winter and after a very hot summer, as both heat and cold can drain a vehicle's battery very easily.


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