7 Car Maintenance Tips For Female Drivers

Therefore, when the spark plugs do not work properly, it causes the engine to lose power and not run at its optimal capacity. So ask a professional to check your spark plugs so that those spark plugs are replaced if they are defective. It’s just as important to clean your car’s outdoor engine as well as it’s important to keep the indoor engine clean. If not cleaned properly, even small debris in the wrong place can damage your engine. For example, when checking the brake fluid, some grease may fall into it. So, be sure to check your brake fluid levels at least once a month.

Failure to replace the timing belt can result in a very expensive engine repair if the belt breaks. Once a month and for each comprehensive road trip, use an accurate tire pressure gauge to check the tire pressure on each tire, including the spare tire. Use the tyre pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, not the maximum embossed pressure on the sidewall of the tyre.

When you’re up to your elbow in your engine, you’ll invariably wonder if you need to replace other things you don’t normally have easy access to. It’s a call to judgment, but my advice is, if it’s not priceless, go ahead. I also chose to install a new water pump and replace the spark plugs and coilpacks that are normally inaccessible. This added extra cost to my repair total, but it also gave me peace of mind that I wasn’t reinstalling old, worn parts on the verge of failure. Air filters are an often overlooked component that is actually closely related to the overall health of your vehicle. Air filters prevent harmful dirt, such as dust and other contaminants, from entering the engine, radiator, fuel lines and other key components.

Therefore, it is important to check these straps regularly to inspect for visible cracks in the hairline or any changes in its integrity. You must observe the integrity of both your serpentine belt or V-belt and your timing belt, unless your engine is chain-driven. Check the tension and condition of your drive belt every month. Belts that are too tight can wear out bearings on accessory components such as the AC compressor, water pump, and power steering pump. Belts that are too loose wear out faster and can fail prematurely.

Also check for damage to the belt, such as glazing, fraying and cracks. If you discover damage, have the belt checked by a professional and replace it if necessary. Check the air filter every two months and replace it when it is dirty or as part of a setup.

Secure loose sections, not otherwise damaged, with trim glue. Broken sections can be repaired with special kit available in auto parts stores. You may also be able to extend the life of worn but intact sections by placing foam bars, available in car stores, in the hollow part of the weatherstripping.

These imitations can cost much less than branded parts, but they don’t always work as well and can shorten the life of your car. Always buy the parts recommended by your car’s manufacturer. Refer to your car’s owner’s manual for recommended oil change intervals and stick to the schedule. The average is every 5,000 to 7,000 miles for regular engine oil and up to 15,000 miles for synthetic oil.

The recommended pressure can usually be found on a sign on a front door, in the glove compartment or in the user manual. Mobile Mechanic Reading Also, be sure to inspect the tires for abnormal or uneven wear, cuts, and any sidewall bumps you may see.

Some cleaners are designed for metal wheels and others for lacquered or transparent coated wheels. Metal wheel cleaners also come in different formulations depending on whether your metal wheel has a satin, aluminum or chrome finish. Protect metal wheels with wheel polishing, wheels painted with a layer of wax. A dirty windscreen does not show you well and therefore causes nuisance. They can cause visual impairment if not cleaned regularly and can sometimes lead to accidents. For safe driving, the driver must have a good view of the road.

Otherwise, you may hear loud noises from your engine and there may be a significant reduction in fuel consumption. Check your engine’s oil level as an integral part of your basic car maintenance routine. Dark color usually indicates the presence of contaminants, excessive heat, the addition of chemical additives or, worse, sludge. You should also check the correct viscosity class for your car and the environment in which it normally works.