Car Blog

Maintaining your vehicle may seem like a big responsibility. Most individuals are not knowledgeable about auto mechanics and it can seem overwhelming to know what to do and when to care for your vehicle. Because a car is expensive, you hope that it will continue running smoothly for many years. Fortunately, there are some simple things you can do to extend the life of your vehicle.

1. Oil Change

Car repair shops in Bloomington IL offer oil change services. The engine oil is crucial to a properly running vehicle because clean oil reduces friction and over-heating of your engine. Luckily, it’s not a mystery how often you should change your oil. Consult your car’s owner’s manual for recommendations. If you don’t have an owner’s manual, most experts recommend every 5,000 to 7,000 miles for newer cars.

2. Fluid Check

Your vehicle has other fluids that need to be filled to the proper level. Transmission, brake, power steering and coolant fluids should be checked each month. You’ll likely need to take your vehicle to an auto shop to top off some of these fluids. If you have a fluid leak, take your vehicle to a service shop to identify which fluid is leaking and to have it repaired.

3. Tire Inspection

The tires on your vehicle also need to be inflated to the proper PSI. Check the pressure in your tires before a road trip and at least once a month. The right tire pressure ensures that the tread is worn evenly and prevents dangerous blowouts.

4. Tire Rotation

In addition to the right tire pressure, the tires need to be rotated every six months or 8,000 miles at the latest. A tire rotation involves taking all the tires off and moving them to a different location on the vehicle. This process ensures that all tires are worn evenly.

Maintaining your vehicle is essential for driver and passenger safety. Proper maintenance will also increase the life of your vehicle.