For your car to remain safe and dependable, it needs to be properly maintained. Routinely inspecting your vehicle for issues will give you extra peace of mind. Here are five car parts to regularly check up on.
Tires
Tires can have a major impact on your vehicle’s driving dynamics. Be sure to check your air pressure at least every two weeks. Underinflated tires can decrease fuel economy and increase the likelihood of a sudden blowout. You should also develop a habit of inspecting the appearance of your tires. Irregular tread wear patterns typically indicate the need for a wheel alignment. Flat spots on a tire could also stem from a problem with the braking system.
Engine Air Filter
Because it remains hidden in an enclosure, many drivers tend to forget about their car’s air filter. When an air filter becomes clogged, the performance of your engine is bound to suffer. Sluggish acceleration is among the biggest signs of a dirty air filter. Fortunately, checking the filter is something any car owner can do. While some air-boxes can be snapped open without any tools, others will require the use of a screwdriver.
Transmission
Transmissions are expensive to replace. This is why you want to keep your transmission operating smoothly for as long as possible. Even car owners who don’t have any mechanical skills can keep tabs on the condition of the transmission fluid. Simply allow the engine to warm up and pull the transmission dipstick. While a low level of fluid suggests a leak, burnt-looking fluid indicates overheating. A transmission repair specialist can fix these issues before it’s too late.
Spark Plugs
Modern spark plugs are designed to last for up to 100,000 miles. Unfortunately, various factors can shorten their life. To be on the safe side, it’s a good idea to get a mechanic to inspect your spark plugs. Don’t wait until the check engine light turns on. Worn out spark plugs can increase fuel consumption, trigger a rough idle, and even cause hard starting issues. Spark plugs are inexpensive parts, so you don’t have to worry about spending much money.
Exterior Lights
It’s especially easy to check the functioning of your exterior lights. However, many drivers fail to do so. About once a month, take the time to inspect for any blown bulbs. Not only is a malfunctioning light a safety hazard, but it can also get you pulled over by the police.
Don’t sacrifice the dependability of your vehicle by failing to inspect it regularly. It only takes a few minutes to perform most checkups. You may able to prevent a potential headache in the long run.
