Want your car to be your reliable sidekick for years? Avoid costly repairs and keep more money in your pocket? A few simple maintenance habits make a huge difference!
5 Common Car Maintenance Mistakes
Rookie Mistake #1: Not Paying Attention to Your Tire Pressure
It’s not just about avoiding flat tires! Properly inflated tires have lower rolling resistance, needing less energy to keep your vehicle moving and improving fuel efficiency. Underinflated tires deform more as they roll, increasing the surface area in contact with the road and requiring more fuel to maintain speed. Overinflated tires, on the other hand, have less rolling resistance but can wear unevenly and reduce traction, leading to safety issues. Ticking this box off your basic car maintenance checklist is a great way to maximize fuel efficiency and avoid tire wear and tear.
Rookie Mistake #2: Neglecting Oil Changes
Think of oil as your engine’s lifeblood. Regular oil changes are vital because the oil in your vehicle lubricates parts of the engine, which helps reduce friction and prevents wear and tear. This helps keep your engine running smoothly and efficiently. Oil sludge occurs when your oil becomes old and dirty and starts to thicken, reducing its ability to lubricate and protect the engine. Regular oil changes remove contaminants like dirt, debris, and combustion byproducts, helping to keep your engine clean and prevent buildup that can hinder performance. Not changing your oil can lead to increased friction, overheating, and accelerated wear on engine components, which can result in costly damage repairs and mess up the longevity of your engine.
Rookie Mistake #3: Not Checking Your Brakes
Your brakes are your lifeline on the road. Ignoring your brake pads for too long can damage your brakes altogether, which can be even more pricey. Here’s how to know if it’s time for a checkup:
1. Unusual noises: When you apply the brakes, listen for any grinding, squealing, or scraping noises. These brake sounds could indicate worn brake pads or other brake system issues. If you hear an odd grinding noise while braking, don’t wait. Contact our Fixit45 technicians and have your brake system evaluated immediately. We’ll provide a thorough inspection and ensure that your brakes are in top-notch condition, giving you peace of mind on the road.
2. Vibrations: Any vibrations or pulsations through the brake pedal or steering wheel when braking could be because of warped brake rotors.
3. Inspect brake fluid level: Look at the brake fluid reservoir under your car’s hood. Low brake fluid could indicate a leak in the brake system.
4. Warning Light: Most cars these days are equipped with a dashboard warning light that flashes when there is an issue with the brakes. If the brake warning light comes on, inspect your brakes as soon as possible.
Rookie Mistake #4: Not Changing Your Windshield Wipers
Worn-out windshield wipers are more than just annoying – they’re a safety hazard in bad weather. Keeping your windshield wipers in tip-top shape is essential for safe driving. If your wipers leave streaks or smudges on your windshield rather than cleaning it properly, it’s a clear sign that the rubber on the blades is worn out. Additionally, weird sounds like squeaking or chattering while using your wipers could mean that the blades aren’t making proper contact with the windshield due to damage or wear.
Even if your wipers don’t show obvious signs of wear and tear, replacing them every six months to a year is still a good idea, depending on how often you use them and the weather conditions. A quick wiper change takes minutes and makes a big difference!
Rookie Mistake #5: Ignoring Warning Lights
We’ve all been there – that flashing light on the dashboard gets ignored for a little too long. But those lights are there for a reason! Here are a few you should never ignore:
1. Oil Pressure Light
2. Battery Warning Light
3. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light
4. Check Engine Light
5. Brake System Warning Light
For your safety and the performance of your car, immediately call Fixit45 for a pickup or drive into one of our 5-star-rated auto repair service shops if you see any warning signs on your dashboard.
Fixit With Us
Giving your car the love and attention it deserves rewards you with optimal performance and savings by avoiding costly repairs. Taking proper care of your tires, changing your oil regularly, and checking your brakes are just some of the things that regular maintenance includes. We get it, though. Life gets in the way, and the trip to the auto mechanic is delayed to tomorrow, the day after that, and the day after that. This is why, with Fixit45’s professional mechanic services, we pick up your car from a service center most convenient to you, Fixit, and deliver it right back so that you can get back on the road as quickly as possible. You can reach us on 08061440051.
