Maintaining your car is essential for keeping it on the road. For those who don’t spend a lot of time under the hood, car maintenance can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Our basic car care tips can help you keep your car running in peak condition – even if you’re new to the garage.
Here are 8 car care tips to properly maintain your car that will allow you to ride safely, without breaking the bank!
Car care tips: Choosing the right brake fluid
When caring for your car, choose the right brake and coolant, and do the same for all other systems. For models manufactured after 2000, “it is essential to use the products of the manufacturer or the equivalent,” says Jason D’Amico, professor of automotive technology at Centennial College in Toronto. The transmission and other parts may otherwise be noisy and less efficient.
Replace the brake fluid every two years. Due to its hygroscopic power, it absorbs moisture and, over time, increases the risk of braking failure.
Car Care tips: Tires First
If the tread of your tires is too worn, you will have trouble breaking emergency or maneuvering on a slippery road. “Put a 10 cent coin in a groove of the tire, the tip of the Buenos e’s down,” says Glenn Maidment, president of the Canadian Tire and Rubber Association. If you see all the sails, the tire of your car is to be replaced.
Driving on a deflated tire requires more energy: so if you miss a single pound tire, you lose up to 0.3% of the yield per liter/kilometer. About half of all vehicles in Canada drive with at least one tire that is 10% lower or higher than recommended.
Car care tips: Pay attention to reminders
The reminders identify potential security problems in your car. Even if, in this case, the manufacturers offer free repairs, it is estimated that 20% of the owners do not benefit. Replace the brake fluid every two years. Due to its hygroscopic power, it absorbs moisture and, over time, increases the risk of braking failure.
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Car care tips: for the winter
Do not wait until the car refuses to start to replace the battery. After three years, have it checked before winter. The batteries hate the cold and the ones that work well at 20 ° C could very well leave you in the plane when the temperatures plunge.
After each winter, clean your car in a self-service wash station until the water is clear. Salt buildup can cause rusting of the underside, corroding electrical wires and brake lines.
Car care tips: Fuel and oil change
Use the right fuel for your car. Some more sporty models require “super” gasoline that provides more consistent ignition in a higher compression engine. Whenever you change the oil, check the air filter. If it’s dirty, your car will use more gas.
Car care tips: Listen to your car
The brakes creaking, popping sounds when you turn the steering wheel or a noisy muffler should alert you. If you hear a buzz when the windows are closed, it may be the wheel bearing that lacks lubricant. In this case, “the faster you drive, the louder it is,” says D’Amico.
Car care tips: Ride safely as often as possible
Ride short distances, the engine of your car does not heat enough to eliminate condensation. If you cannot drive at least once every 30 to 45 minutes in a row, Mr. D’Amico recommends an oil change every three months.
Car care tips: Choose your service center
Fast lubrication chains rarely employ qualified technicians for safety inspections, especially brakes. For an annual check-up, go to a center that hires professional technicians, whose skills certificates are clearly visible.
If you are considering buying a greener vehicle, plan a maintenance budget. Hybrid engines also need to be drained.