10 Essential Car Maintenance Tips for a Summer Road Trip

Proper mechanical maintenance is essential to identify problems and keep the engine running as it should. Your car will likely have two different air filters: the cabin air filter, which is through which air is filtered when it circulates inside your vehicle, and the engine air filter, which regulates the air that flows into the engine and helps prevent debris and particles from entering. Making sure both of these filters are clean and working properly is an easy solution, and you can even do it at home. Many people know that they need to check their oil, but not so many remember that it is just as vitally important to check the transmission fluid.

The Toco warranty reports that, like engine oil, transmission fluid becomes contaminated as your car ages. You'll know that your transmission is in poor condition if you hear unusual noises, such as squeaks or knocks, when you change gears, or if you see red liquid seeping through the underside of the car. However, regularly checking the transmission fluid should mean that it never reaches that point. All you need to do is locate the transmission oil dipstick near the rear of the engine; however, you should consult the owner's manual for placement before opening the hood. You can easily restore your engine's performance with a fuel system clean.

This is done twice a year and can be done at home or in the auto shop. All you need is to pour a fuel additive into the gas tank and give it time to clean up all that build-up. Tyre pressure, engine oil, and brake oil tests are examples of tests that should be done at least every year. Change engine oil, filter and brake pads as often as recommended by the car manufacturer. Let's look at 10 maintenance services you should have performed at least every year. Every month, or every few refuels with gas, and especially before any long road trip, it's a good idea to get under the hood of your car and inspect the oil and coolant levels while the engine is cold.

Low levels of either can cause engine problems if left unchecked. Consult the owner's manual to find both in your specific vehicle. Oil and Oil Filter Engine oil and oil filter should be changed regularly, because as the engine runs, small pieces of metal, dirt and carbon end up in the oil and can cause excessive wear on the engine. Non-synthetic oil that was traditionally used in the past always had a general rule of 3,000 miles, but most cars today run on synthetic material, which can safely last between 5,000 and 10,000 miles between oil changes, depending on the type. Remember to also check the engine oil level regularly; once every two weeks and before any long road trip should be enough. Air filter A clogged air filter makes it difficult for the engine to breathe and that can negatively affect performance.

Changing your air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles is a good rule of thumb; if you park or drive in a dusty environment, change the air filter closer to 15,000 miles. Driving your car around town on different terrains can often mean that the car has small marks and scratches everywhere due to a not-so-great driving style from you or other road users. By understanding how and when to care for your car with these maintenance tips, you can keep your vehicle running better for longer. If you deal with minor auto repair issues as soon as you can, you'll save time and money later on major car repairs. Sticking to a car maintenance schedule and keeping a good record of what you've done can help extend the life of your vehicle and protect it from breakdowns, costly repairs, and other unwanted surprises. The condition of the interior of the car does not determine or affect its performance by chance; however it does determine and affect how pleasant or prolonged your stay in the car will be. Preventive maintenance not only keeps cars in top shape for optimal performance but also saves you a lot of money by avoiding total damage. So what car maintenance is needed when heading for a summer road trip? Take the time to read your vehicle's owner's manual. Cars that use a timing belt instead of a timing chain need to worry about this little maintenance.

And of course it's important to remember that car maintenance costs while not always cheap can help you avoid costly repairs in the future. Not only that but maintaining a detailed vehicle maintenance history can also help improve the resale value of your car. We offer a full range of maintenance services designed to help your car perform at its best including oil changes filter checks tire rotation and replacement brake services and everything in between. Driving in the city tends to be more difficult in cars than on the road and many of elements in your car are designed to wear out so you should keep these consumable parts in mind. It is widely known that having a car that looks clean well-maintained and new has a positive psychological effect on its owner.