Car Care Warranty
Basic Car Care 101
I am hoping that you have arrived here in hopes to learn how to raise yourself above the average Joe (or JoAnna) and learn how to properly care for your car.
Basic Car Care 101
Think about your vehicle as if it were your child, pet or other loved object. It needs the same attention that they all do. Lets talk about what it needs a little bit to get you started..
Your car needs Oil to keep everything lubricated. Coolant to help the engine stay cool. Brake fluid and pads to stop. Power, spark, compression, air, and fuel to run and stay running. It needs all of these things to be fresh, clean and in proper working order. Sadly, nothing is meant to last forever. However, if you would like to keep your vehicle as long as possible, lets talk about maintaining it.
Some things you probably already know it needs:
-Oil and filter change every 3, 000 -Fresh 50/50 coolant and water
-Brake pads -Tire rotations
Some things you may or may not know about:
-Spark plugs, wires, cap and rotor every 100, 000 -New alternator every 3-5 years
-New Battery every 2-3 years -New air filter every 100, 000
-Transmission fluid and filter change every 90, 000 -New fuel filter every 60, 000
-Timing or serpentine belt every 100, 000 -Accessory belts
-Thermostat and temp sensor -Gaskets
-Lubrication
I apologize to anyone out there who regularly does these things, however, i am centering this page around those that don't know, or wanted more information about basic maintenance, not advanced maintenance.
Lets talk about why these things are important, and a little bit about what they can do to your vehicle.
Oil and filter changes.
A lot of us neglect them. I don't have the time right know, i don't have the money, or i don't know how. I have heard and made these excuses a lot. You oil is vital to keepingthe heart of your engine lubricated and moving properly. Oil can also help these parts last longer and wear down less. Even letting your oil go for just another 1, 000 miles past the 3, 000 mark can start to create sludge build up. Sludge is a horrible menace to your engine, it takes years to fully leave your engine, and it will wear down a lot faster with the more the sludge build up. You have a filter that works together with your engine to help keep the sludge and any debris that may have entered your engine for one reason or another. This filter, like any filter, will eventually get clogged and thick with oil, it needs to be changed frequently to help keep your oil clean.
Fresh Coolant
Most of you realize that your car needs good coolant in its radiator. But how often? Once a year before any extreme weather changes, is usually the best time to have it flushed and refilled, this is also a part of 'Winterizing' your engine. Most drivers with more than 2 years driving experience have at one time or another, had a car over heat on them. This is usually cause by a large loss of coolant in one way or another. It can also be caused when you take your car out of its normal elements into or out of freezing or hot weather. It can also happen when your thermostat quits working or your coolant system develops a leak. You radiator is very prone to allowing little piece of debris to enter your coolant system, and that darn debris has many other sneaky ways of getting in there. Having your coolant changed and mixed properly once a year, instead of when ever it overheats, is a fine and easy way to keep your vehicle running properly.
Brake pads
Do you feel safer knowing that your car will always stop? It makes me feel safer. Having your brakes checked out every time you get your oil changed will insure that you can keep an eye on how worn down they are, and prevent you from being the 'squeaky' wheel down the street, and save you from the horror of being in your first (or another) accident. For your safety and everyone else on the road, check them often, and replace them as soon as they are 80% warn down. Never let them get 'metal to metal', it will cost you.
Tire Rotations
Some of us do it because they tell us to, and some of us do it for the fun. The truth is, having your tires rotated twice a year can not only help you keep even tread on your tires, it can also save you at the gas station. Didn't know that did you? Worn down, and uneven tread drags your car down. It makes it harder for the engine to do its job and wastes fuel. Replacing your tires after they have reached 50% tread will save you more too, and you can usually sell the old ones to someone in need. I don't know how much it means to you to save a few dollars at your gas station, but it makes a big difference to my wallet.
By TheGreatInspirer -
Young, enthusiastic and ready to rumble, I am a talented proffesional in the seattle area. I spend a lot of time doing what I love, and I love it!
Mechanics, business, music, events, writing, playing with...
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