Vehicle Maintenance Tips: Properly maintaining your vehicle is key to keeping it running longer and reducing the chances of costly repairs in the future.
By doing regular maintenance, your mechanic should be able to spot minor problems easily. Here are the basics:
Oil Changes: Oil changes are recommended every 5,000 miles if you use conventional oil, or every 10,000 miles if you use synthetic oil. During your oil changes be sure to have your air filter and windshield wipers inspected as well. Wipers should be changed at least once a year.
Replacing Tires: Use the penny trick to check for wear on tires. Put the penny in upside down in the tire tread, if you can see the top of Lincoln’s head on the penny, then the tire is worn out. If you can see all of Lincoln’s hair, then the tire is completely worn out. Also look at the side walls of your tires for cracking. If you see cracks in the side walls, then it’s time to replace the tires.
Tire Rotation: To keep tires rotated properly it is recommended that you rotate your tires every six months or 6,000 miles. Rotating tires will give you longer wear on your tires saving you money.
Brake Inspections: Have your brakes inspected every time you get your tires rotated. Disc brakes usually include a part called a wear indicator. When the wear indicator grinds against the rotor, it makes a squealing noise as you apply the brakes. This noise is a signal which tells you it’s time to have your brakes replaced.
Tire Pressure: Check the air pressure in your tires once a month. Tire pressure can change due to various conditions. The pressure can change due to weather conditions, heavy driving or lack of driving. Be sure to have your tire inflated to the correct pressure for the weather. There are different PSI recommendations for cold weather and warm weather.
If you are in the St. Croix Valley and in need of a tires, wheels or car repairs, we recommend the family owned business RMF Auto Service.
We found this car maintenance check list on the Napa website:
Do you have any maintenance tips you use? Comment below we would love to hear them.
