BY KEVIN SAWYER – While your vehicle is worth less than you paid for it the moment you leave the dealership, it will remain a serious investment and asset to you in your everyday life. There are few simple things you can do, however, to ensure that your vehicle is properly maintained and in top running condition.
- The first thing you need to do, which most drivers never do, is actually pull out the owner’s manual and read it. It will pretty much tell you everything you need to know about the vehicle you are driving. The first thing to notice is that you should be changing your oil, and the oil filter, at least every 5,000 miles or so. Oil is the very blood of the engine. The cleaner it is, the healthier it is.
- Rotate your tires regularly to get more even wear. Pay attention to the tread and don’t allow it to get too worn down. Your tires are your feet. The better their condition, the better your steering and smoothness of ride. Also, keep them inflated to the proper poundage. It affects both the ride and the gas mileage you will get and will prevent them from blowing out on you unexpectedly.
- Also with regard to performance and gas mileage, swap out your air filter regularly. Check your belts regularly, too. Worn and cracked belts can lead to some serious engine problems and may even cause a piston to shoot through your engine block effectively destroying the engine.
- Your brakes, of course, need to, perhaps, be in the best shape of all. Get them inspected regularly and replace what needs to be replaced on them. Bad or faulty or worn brakes is just asking for trouble.
- Regularly clean your battery cables and posts. Build up will prevent your vehicle from getting the power it needs. Also, try and schedule your trips and combine errands whenever you can to save on gas as well as wear and tear on your vehicle.
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