For many people, a car is a necessary part of life, so needing auto repairs can be costly and inconvenient. Performing preventative maintenance on your vehicle will extend its life span and help you avoid needing to visit a mechanic unexpectedly. Here are a few tips to keep your car running. 

3 Maintenance Tips for Your Vehicle

1. Look at the Fluids

Check your car’s manual to find out where the coolant, wiper fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, and engine oil are located. The coolant is usually near the radiator, and the wiper fluid will often have a windshield or water symbol on the container. The dipstick to check your oil levels will be bright yellow or red and near a container with an oil symbol on it. 

Coolant and wiper fluids are easy to replace yourself. You can also add oil to your car if it burns quickly, but get a professional change every 5,000 to 10,000 miles.

You may be able to check the level of your steering and transmission fluids by pulling up their marked dipsticks under the hood, but they need to be changed by a mechanic every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. 

Check these fluids once every month or two in newer vehicles and more frequently in old cars.

2. Check the Tires

An issue with your tires can leave you stranded or make driving dangerous. Keep an eye on the tire light and check the pressure if it comes on. Even if the light doesn’t turn on, measure the tire pressure once a month.

Perform a thorough check for damage every month, and measure the tire tread with a ruler, tape measure, or penny to make sure it’s wearing down evenly. Replace the tires when their tread is less than 1/8 inch. 

Have your tires rotated at an auto repair shop every six months to ensure they wear evenly and last as long as possible. 

3. Replace the Timing & Serpentine Belts

The serpentine belt delivers power to many systems in your car, including the air conditioning and power steering. The timing belt synchronizes the movement between the camshaft and crankshaft to control the injection of air and fuel into the engine at the right time. If either of these belts wears out or fails, the engine can overheat and stop running. 

The belts should be replaced about every 40,000 to 60,000 miles, but check your owners manual for the manufacturer’s recommendation.

The timing belt is usually located at the end of your engine under a small cover and held with bolts or clips. The serpentine belt is in the same area and will be woven around a series of pulleys. If either looks frayed, thin, ripped, or worn out, take your car to an auto shop for a replacement. 

 

If you need an auto repair shop to take care of your vehicle, visit Tire Warehouse Kauai in Lihue, HI. This shop has served the community since 1974 with reliable tires and automotive services. Visit them online to see their full list of offerings, or call (808) 245-6754 to schedule an appointment.