Staying on top of regular maintenance keeps your vehicle running better for longer. Glenwood Auto are Trusted Saskatoon Auto Repair Experts, and we're ready to help you with all your maintenance needs. In our latest Saskatoon auto tip we share info on how to keep your vehicle running well for as long as possible.
Preventive maintenance is the key to keeping repairs under control. The more you learn about your vehicle the more you will likely save money on repairs. If you just rely on a mechanic to do all the thinking and you ignore maintenance, be prepared to pay extremely high repair bills.
The following auto tips may help keep your car running indefinitely
Reduce Your Driving
By cutting down on the amount of miles you drive on a weekly basis, you will save money on gas and maintenance because there will be less wear and tear on your vehicle.
Avoid Hitting the Accelerator Hard
Just because you have a car that can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than five seconds doesn’t mean you should take advantage of that feature. Slower acceleration is much gentler on the car’s overall health. Even when you start your car in the morning, you don’t have to rev up the engine much, especially in our cold Saskatchewan. Your car will run much more smoothly if you give the oil a chance to warm up before driving.
Pay Attention to the Engine
Whenever you see anything strange with the engine, get it checked immediately. A loud ticking sound from the engine or a screechy noise when you start the car can indicate a major problem that will only get worse if you ignore it. If you see an engine indicator light up, consider having the engine checked. If the engine doesn’t have a problem, consider getting the light fixed so that you are not distracted by it. The engine is like the heart of your vehicle and needs to be clean, especially within the cylinders.
Change the Oil and Fluids Regularly
Ignoring your oil completely is a guaranteed recipe for disaster that can eventually lead to a blown engine, which will be expensive to replace. Read your manual and check the manufacturer’s recommendation for how often the oil should be changed, which is commonly every 1000 to 3000 miles. Vital fluids also need to be checked periodically to make sure they are at optimal levels, especially when seasons change.
Don’t Store Heavy Objects
Unless you drive a big truck, there’s no reason to keep heavy objects stored in your vehicle all the time. This excess weight can wear out your tires faster and can put an overall strain on the vehicle. It’s fine to transport objects that fit in your vehicle but find a more appropriate storage unit for extended periods of time. As far as storing the vehicle itself, it’s always better to keep it in a garage or carport rather than out on the street, especially in our winters.
Get Periodic Tune-ups
Use your manufacturer’s manual to gauge how often to get a full tune-up. While many modern cars don’t need as many tune-ups as in the past, it’s still a good idea to have your car checked by an experienced professional once in a while. A clogged fuel line may not be obvious but can have adverse effects on gas mileage, just as worn plugs and wires can reduce efficiency. Most importantly, make sure all safety features, such as brakes, are in top shape at all times.
Checking your tires every now and then can help prevent an accident since tires can blow up if they go bald. When tires get smooth on inner edges, it can mean you need a front end alignment.
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