howtodosite

By: A contributing writer

Car maintenance is very important to help avoid some possible expensive repairs in the future. In addition, a good car maintenance schedule can prolong the life of your vehicle and increase your trade in value. You don’t have to be a mechanic to do it either. Below are some steps you can take, to-help avoid some costly repairs later by practicing a good car maintenance plan.

Run your A/C for two to three minutes a day when you use your car regardless of the outside temperature. This is all that is needed to keep the internal seals lubricated. Doing this will help prevent expensive repairs later and prolong the life of your A/C unit. If it’s cold outside a few minutes of A/C is tolerable considering the long-term benefits and it will help reduce the moister level inside the vehicle as well, making it more comfortable when the heat is finally turned on.

Add a water pump lube to your cooling system each season when you replace the anti freeze. This will help prolong the life of your water pump considerably, thus reducing te likely hood of another expensive repair.

Change your belts every three to four years depending on how much driving you do. Worn belts can an effect you charging system causing battery failure and cause your cooling system to run excessively because as the belts age they begin to slip.

Replace your air filter with every oil change. More if you drive in a very dusty environment or are frequently are stuck in big city traffic. Aside from reducing fuel efficiency, dust getting into the engine can scar the cylinder shafts leading to the need for an engine overhaul.

Replace your fuel filter annually. As the car ages, it’s normal for rust and debris to build up inside the gas tank. This is an easy preventive maintenance task that can save you some considerable headaches. If possible do not let your vehicle get to low on fuel before refilling. This to increases the likely hood of drawing some debris in the engine, especially with older vehicles.

Check you tire lug nuts with a click torque wrench after getting any tires replaced. Over or unevenly tightened lug nuts can lead to warped rotors another big expense. In addition, if you need to change a flat tire, it’s not the best time to find out the lugs were overtightened and you can’t remove them.

Tips: When service is needed, contact the local B.B.B. office to see if there are any unresolved complaints against the shop you’re considering to do the repairs.
* You may want to check the shops reputation in advance before maintenance is needed.

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