The benefits of proper car maintenance go beyond safety and performance—it also ensures you preserve the life of your car so that you can make the most out of your beloved investment.
As with all complicated machineries, your car’s complex engineering requires regular and proper check-ups. Some car parts are more prone to wear and damage than others, but proactive maintenance can mitigate these issues.
So, what does your car need for better performance and longer lifespan? Here are some maintenance tips to guide you.
Have your engine components regularly checked
An engine is only as good as its components. And since the engine is the heart of every vehicle, it is important that you have its components, particularly the oil and the timing belt and chain, regularly checked to avoid excessive stress and potential damage to your car’s engine.
Through regular oil changes, you can ensure that you mitigate unnecessary friction among your engine’s parts. Since friction causes heat, reduction in friction ultimately prevents overheating—and your engine oil plays a major role in it.
Additionally, pay extra attention to the condition of your engine’s timing belt and chain. Since these are responsible for synchronizing the components of your engine, any tear or malfunction in this component can lead to massive repairs.
Due to the sensitivity and complexity of these engine components, it is also important that you only go to trusted and reputable auto repair shops. Their expert technicians are professionally trained and equipped to handle simple and complex maintenance services while also ensuring your manufacturer’s specifications are followed.
If you want to check out the maintenance services these auto shops can provide, click here for a quick overview.
Pay attention to your suspension and steering systems
Your shock absorbers and boot struts are responsible for controlling the rebound and impact on your car when going through road bumps, potholes, and other elements that can cause a sudden up-and-down movement to your vehicle.
When any of these malfunction, you may find that your tires are extra bouncy, making for a shaky ride. You may also find your car swaying excessively when making a turn, or your tires have uneven wear on their treads. While these all seem like minor inconveniences, the internal damage of these imbalances to your engine can be a costly repair in the future.
Auto maintenance shops offer alignment services that will correct the direction of your tires while also checking if your shock absorber and struts are in working condition. Remember, damaged suspension and steering systems will make it harder for you to maneuver your vehicle, which can be dangerous not only for you but for other drivers you are sharing the road with.
Make sure your braking system works well
Since your braking pad handles extensive friction to be able to halt your car’s movement, it is important to regularly check if they are due for replacement. Worn brake pads will delay your braking, so it is important to have them replaced as soon as they are worn out.
Additionally, brake rotors work in tandem with the brake pads. Specifically, it helps slow down your vehicle while also turning your kinetic energy into thermal or heat energy. While the latter may not seem like much, remember that your engine runs on energy, so these little sources of thermal energy can do much to preserve its lifespan.
Check the condition of your cooling system
Overheating is one of the main culprits in car breakdowns, so regular maintenance work can help check if your cooling system does its job in regulating your car’s temperature. Without it, you risk your vehicle undergoing excessive heat, which will eventually cause significant damage.
Your engine coolant requires occasional flushing or replacement so it can efficiently disperse the heat in your vehicle, while the radiator needs to be checked for any leakages to ensure the proper temperature is kept throughout your journey.
Final piece of advice
Only when you understand the vulnerabilities of your car can you ensure your maintenance work is aligned to pay extra attention to these prone areas. While your car is engineered to withstand extensive stress and load, regular maintenance can help preserve its lifespan and provide you with smoother and safer journeys.
But also remember that we can only do so much on our own. When in doubt, it is better to seek professional advice from a reputable source than to risk prolonging the damage to your car, which can result in heftier repair costs and even road accidents.
By reading and understanding your car’s manual and adhering to its prescribed maintenance schedule, you can significantly increase your car’s performance and safety—giving you a safer, more reliable, and longer-lasting vehicle.
