Like any other machine, your car needs the proper maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Otherwise, you may find yourself driving a vehicle that not only performs poorly, but also requires preventable auto repairs. Here are a few components you should check on a regular basis to ensure your car stays in good shape.

Your Guide to Avoiding Unnecessary Auto Repairs

Oil Changes

Overusing engine oil exposes your vehicle’s components to pollutants, like environmental debris and mechanical sludge. Meanwhile, lack of lubrication overworks the engine and causes its components to wear out faster. In general, car mechanics recommend changing the oil every 3,000 miles.

Battery Checks

The battery is your car’s powerhouse, so it’s important to make sure it serves you well for at least three to five years. Investing in a voltmeter is helpful in ensuring the battery’s levels are above the recommended 12.0 volts. You can also have the voltage measured by a local auto repair shop so they can replace it if the reading is low.

Spark Plug Replacement

If it’s becoming increasingly difficult to start, accelerate, and maintain fuel efficiency, it may be time to replace the car’s spark plugs. As a rule of thumb, experts suggest changing out the spark plugs every 45,000 miles. However, you may need to invest in new hardware sooner if there is significant wear and tear on the current ones.

Tire Inspections

Tire care prevents them from getting worn out once they cover a certain number of miles. You can easily check for tread wear with a penny test; simply insert a penny to see if Lincoln’s head is visible. If it is, that means the tires are wearing out and need to be replaced. Additionally, get them aligned, inflated, and balanced to improve fuel efficiency and avoid slippage.

It’s important to maintain your vehicle properly, so entrust this detail-oriented task to the experts at Brown County Automotive. Their Mount Orab, OH, team offers auto repairs, engine overhauls, and more. Find out how they can help you by calling (800) 315-6669 or visiting their website.