Tips for Car Maintenance
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Tips for Car Maintenance
Some of these are more obvious than others, but here's a list of a few simple things to keep in mind for your car's long term well-being. What are some other pointers, you guys would like to share- no matter how simple- for the upkeep of your car?
Last edited by Carlene; Feb 18, 2014 at 05:45 PM. Reason: Adv Link Removed
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From: Waterloo, Iowa
The easiest things are often the most neglected, and yet can cause expensive collateral damage.
Battery chargers are inexpensive, yet many people don't have them, and batteries are expensive. The battery is the heart of the entire electrical system.
Tire pressure gage. Cheap, tires are not. Running tires that are not properly inflated means poor handling, risk of dangerous failure, higher fuel consumption.
Fuel is expensive and people are hurting, though it pays to keep the tank topped off or close to it for several reasons, prevents moisture and corrosion down, icing problems, and extends life of internal fuel pump.
Battery chargers are inexpensive, yet many people don't have them, and batteries are expensive. The battery is the heart of the entire electrical system.
Tire pressure gage. Cheap, tires are not. Running tires that are not properly inflated means poor handling, risk of dangerous failure, higher fuel consumption.
Fuel is expensive and people are hurting, though it pays to keep the tank topped off or close to it for several reasons, prevents moisture and corrosion down, icing problems, and extends life of internal fuel pump.
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^Excellent tips- esp. checking tire pressure. It's so much cheaper to ensure that tires are properly inflated than to deal with potential consequences if they're not. And you're right- it's always so tempting to run the fuel tank down until it's almost empty but it's only hurting your car.
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From: Maine, Virginia
Cars these days are nearly maintenance free compared to the 80's. No more zirk fittings, longer oil change intervals, long service intervals for the transmissions, axles, wheel bearings, etc.
So, I like to so some other things that me some peace of mind.
1. Change the serpentine belt at 75K. Normally they will last longer but they are cheap and usually not real hard to replace.
2. Test the coolant annually to ensure that it's still effective in sub-zero temps.
3. I like to spray my batter terminals with a protectant so help prevent a build up on the posts.
4. During each tire rotation, I spread some anti sieze on the wheel studs.
5. I change my windshield wipers every 12-18 months or as needed.
So, I like to so some other things that me some peace of mind.
1. Change the serpentine belt at 75K. Normally they will last longer but they are cheap and usually not real hard to replace.
2. Test the coolant annually to ensure that it's still effective in sub-zero temps.
3. I like to spray my batter terminals with a protectant so help prevent a build up on the posts.
4. During each tire rotation, I spread some anti sieze on the wheel studs.
5. I change my windshield wipers every 12-18 months or as needed.
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Joined: Feb 2013
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From: Central Illinois
1. If you live in the Rust Belt.... on the occasional winter day when it gets above freezing.. SPRAY YOUR CAR OFF!! That dry salt just eats away at the metal
2. Keep "spares" in the vehicle: Fuses, Serpentine Belt, bulbs
3. Keep Emergency Kit: Jumper Cables, few hand tools, Flashlight (you wouldn't believe how many people don't have ANY of these in their vehicles)
4. Take the time to hand wash and wax the car at least twice a year. Will help the cancer (rust) from appearing and/or spreading. Suggest once after winter and once before winter
-The Great
2. Keep "spares" in the vehicle: Fuses, Serpentine Belt, bulbs
3. Keep Emergency Kit: Jumper Cables, few hand tools, Flashlight (you wouldn't believe how many people don't have ANY of these in their vehicles)
4. Take the time to hand wash and wax the car at least twice a year. Will help the cancer (rust) from appearing and/or spreading. Suggest once after winter and once before winter
-The Great
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