Services car engine machine concept, Automobile mechanic repairman checking a car engine with inspecting writing to the clipboard the checklist for repair machine, car service and maintenance.

Vehicle failures were behind an estimated 44,000 accidents that occurred in the US from 2005 to 2007. Faulty tires, brakes, steering, suspension, and engines were the top culprits.

All that highlights the importance of sticking to a routine car maintenance schedule. Keeping your ride in tip-top condition can help you avoid getting into and causing a road crash.

To that end, we rounded up some of the basic car maintenance tips to always abide by. Read on to discover what you can do to keep your ride cruising smoothly.

1. Mind Your Tire Pressure

In 2017, over 700 road fatalities resulted from tire-related crashes. That highlights how dangerous it is to drive with underinflated or overinflated tires.

Underinflation increases friction between tires and the road surface. As a result, the tires wear faster, causing the vehicle’s fuel consumption to go up, too. Severely underinflated tires can also affect a car’s braking, steering, and suspension performance.

By contrast, overinflated tires have less contact with the road surface. This can then make it difficult for a vehicle to break properly and on time.

For that reason, always keep your tires inflated as per your manufacturer’s recommendations. For passenger cars, it usually ranges from 32 to 35 pounds per square inch (psi). You should take tire pressure readings when your tires are cold and do so at least once a month.

2. Give Your Brakes a Break

Check your car owner’s manual for the recommended brake maintenance schedule. Again, this depends on the make, model, and year of your ride, as well as your driving style. The most important thing is not to delay replacing your brake pads, rotors, and fluid as needed.

3. Check Your Oil Levels Whenever You Gas Up

In a 2020 survey of 787 US motorists, 82% of respondents said they filled their gas tank less than twice a month. However, the average American used to go in for gas refills at least once a week before that.

Regardless of how often you now top up your tank, always check your oil levels whenever you gas up. If you continue to operate your car without enough oil, it can lead to premature engine wear and tear. After all, it’s the engine oil that lubricates all the moving components of your car’s engine.

4. Keep Up With Fluid Change Schedules

Your car’s manual contains detailed explanations of when you should change your fluids. Follow these manufacturer-recommended car maintenance schedules rather than the estimates you see online. Keep in mind that you need to base your schedules on the specific type of car you have and how exactly you drive it.

You might also want to invest in an automatic tank gauge (ATG), a device that monitors fluid levels and leaks. An ATG can even alert you of critically low tank volumes and fluid contamination. With an ATG, you no longer have to guess when to go for fluid changes and top-ups.

Follow These Car Maintenance Tips To Keep Your Ride Safe

There you have it, the top car maintenance tips for a safer, better-performing vehicle. All these can take less than an hour to complete, but they can help you extend your ride’s longevity.

Interested in more daily car maintenance tips and tricks? Feel free to browse our other comprehensive automotive guides then!

By Salina Gomez

Hey there! I'm a passionate blogger on a mission to captivate readers with my words. Join me as I delve into the realms of travel, culture, and personal growth. With a keyboard as my compass and curiosity as my guide, I'll take you on an adventure through enchanting stories and thought-provoking insights. Whether it's exploring hidden gems, sharing travel tips, or unraveling the mysteries of the human experience, my aim is to ignite your imagination and inspire you to embrace the beauty of life. So grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and let's embark on this literary journey together. Welcome to my vibrant world of words! ✨📚✍️