With the current economic downturn, many car owners do not service their car properly. A car is like a human body and needs regular check-ups. If you pass on general auto services, chances are you are leaving your car vulnerable to some potentially serious damage. We all know that serious car problems may cost you a fortune. Prevention is the best medicine is an old saying and one that applies to cars as it does to humans.
Let’s look at several things you can do to keep your car in good condition.
Oil Change
Changing your car’s oil depends on what kind of oil you’re using. You should replace conventional oil every 3,000 miles, synthetic blends after 5,000 miles, and full-synthetic oils at 10,000 miles. As a rule, you should change your car’s oil if the mileage threshold is reached. In this way, you can avoid nasty engine sludge and oil seal problems. Oil sludge can damage the engine and cause oil leaks. Car owners who do not change the oil in time generally end up ferrying their oil-leaking cars to auto repair shops.
Fuel System Service
With the recent developments in auto-engineering, in-line fuel filters are becoming passé. If your car still has an in-line fuel filter, it is recommended that you replace it between 19,000 to 29,000 miles. If you replace it on time, you can be sure that the fuel pump will last longer. You can also use various fuel injector cleaners to clean in-line filters. To ensure maximum efficiency, you should replace the filter prior to using the cleaner.
Cooling System Service
Before you take your car for this kind of service, you should make sure what type of anti-freeze your car needs. Some newer types of anti-freeze compounds do not require replacement until five years of normal driving have passed, though they are much more expensive than regular anti-freeze. You can browse your auto’s manual to know the exact type and the recommended interval for replacement of your coolant.
Belts and Hoses
Most manufacturers suggest that you replace belts and hoses every two years. However, you have the option to replace belts and hoses if you spot signs of wear and tear even if the items have not yet reached two years. No matter what condition they are in, all belts should be replaced at the 100,000 mile milestone, since history shows that this is when most belts begin to fail.
If you really want to maintain your car in excellent condition, then you should not mind spending some time and money on general auto maintenance. This will not only improve the performance and mileage of your car, you can also prevent your car from incurring serious damages that may require expensive repair jobs.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Max_Galgano
Parking Lot
Wacky Taxi
Offroad Madness
Rocky Rider
