Due to the wear and tear that is a result of frequent use, our cars need constant maintenance and care. Preventative maintenance needs to be done on a regular basis to keep your car from totally breaking down and make sure that it stays in good condition. Not only does preventative maintenance keep your car performing at its best, but it also saves you money by preventing trips to car repair shops to repair total damage to the important engine components. Tire pressure, engine oil changes, coolant checks, and brake oil checks are just some examples of maintenance that you should do on your car on a regular basis. Other jobs that should be done regularly, as recommended by your car manufacturer, include filter changes, brake pad changes, and engine oil changes. Here are some of the main maintenance services that you should never put off having done on your car regularly.
Engine Oil:
The oil is a necessary part of your car’s engine to keep all the components lubricated and working correctly. As the engine heats up when you are driving your car, the oil is necessary to absorb this heat and make sure that no damage is caused to the engine. However, over time, the oil will become thick and dark from moving around the engine, at which point it will become less effective. You should check your oil on a regular basis by pulling the dipstick from the engine and wiping it on a paper towel to check the color. In the case of oil that is dark brown or black, you should change your car oil. Campanellas can help with this. Campanellas offer professional oil change services near Wilmington to keep your car in good condition, along with other regular services that your vehicle might need.
Automatic Transition Fluid:
If you drive an automatic or self-shifting vehicle, you should check and change the Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) at least yearly. This fluid is usually colored green or red so that it is easy to distinguish from the other important fluids in the engine. Just like the other fluids that you’ll find in your engine such as the engine oil, the transmission fluid will deteriorate over time with regular use, at which point it will need to be replaced. This is usually characterized by the fluid turning darker.
Brake Discs:
The brake components are absolutely crucial for safety, therefore it’s important to keep up with regular maintenance of them and make sure that they are replaced as soon as they are old or worn. Brake discs and pads can last for several years depending on the quality of the brand and how often you drive your car, but it is still a wise idea to have them checked during an annual service as in some cases having your break discs and pads replaced could save your life. The brake disc is the rotating component of the disc brake assembly where the brake pad is applied, and it plays a key role in stopping a moving car. Constant use through braking causes friction that reduces the discs’ density, which is why this component should be regularly checked and updated.
Spark Plugs:
The spark plug ignites the fuel needed in the combustion chamber of a spark-ignition engine. Although it is a very small device, it is absolutely essential as a car engine component. In the past, the cleaning of spark plugs with wire brushes to maintain them was common practice, however it’s something that mechanics and auto repair professionals no longer do today, since the cleaning creates a weak condition path resulting in weaker sparks. Instead, drivers are advised to totally replace all the spark plugs in their engine on a yearly basis to ensure optimal engine performance.
Tires:
The tires are an important part of your car, and you would not get very far without them. Tires are round, rubber objects that are inflated or inserted with an inflated inner tube. They are placed around the metal wheel of the vehicle to cushion the contact with the road. Most tires will come with a four-year validity period after which they should always be changed, despite how little or much they have been used. However, most drivers find that they need to change their tires much sooner when they are driving a lot. The wear and tear that is caused by the friction generated from braking and driving on different road surfaces can cause tires to lose their threading very quickly. Most experts advise to completely replace your all season tires on a yearly basis if you drive a lot.
Shock Absorbers:
Shock absorbers are components of the car that are placed around the wheels to absorb the shock of driving on uneven roads. As a result, drivers are more comfortable behind the wheel and the driving quality and vehicle handling is improved. Today, the technology surrounding shock absorbers has evolved a lot, with different kinds of shock absorbers to choose from for smoother driving. However, the principle of converting the kinetic energy that is generated from driving into heat remains the same. Whatever type of shock absorber you have on your car, it’s important to have them checked yearly and changed if needed to upgrade your driving experience.
Drive Belts:
Drive belts are typically a long, flat belt made from a rubber material. One side is smooth and the other is ribbed. Different types of drive belts are used in cars including the timing belt and the serpentine belt, which is more widely used today. Serpentine belts are used in the car engine to propel various devices including the alternator and power steering pump to name a few. Overuse of a serpentine belt can cause it to break down completely, which can be very costly as it will leave the car immobile. Because of this, it’s worth having driving belts checked and maintained yearly.
Without regular maintenance, your car is unlikely to last as long as it could or offer optimal driving performance, comfort and safety.
