Just like children, pets and prized collections, our cars need love, too.  We’ve all heard the saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” and it’s the same with vehicles we own – a little maintenence now can help prevent costly repairs later.  Below are a few things you can do to keep your car running smoothly:

Routinely Check Your Oil {and all fluids}: 

If you own a car, checking your oil is one of the easiest and most important things you will ever do, and since it only takes a minute, I strongly advise checking the oil at least once every two weeks.  If you’ve gone a month or more without checking your oil, it’s been too long.  The oil keeps the engine running and without the proper amount of oil, your engine is placed in severe risk of seizing up – and should that happen, the repair/replacement costs can be enormous.  Nip it in the bud by getting into the habit of checkig your oil – before the oil light comes on.

While you’ve got the hood open, also check the coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, automatic transmission fluid and if your vehicle is a stick, check the hydraulic clutch fluid. 

Check Belts:

Open your hood, run your hands along all the belts and inspect for rough or worn edges.  Belts should be smooth or if they have grooves, they should be firm – never worn or frayed. If you come across a belt that seems cracked, worn or frayed, it’s time to have it replaced. You’ll want to do it now as opposed to hearing a high pitched shrieking sound coming from under the hood on your way to work. 

Check Hoses:

Like belts, hoses should feel smooth or have solid grooves.  Again, check for cracks, frays and small holes, especially around the radiator.  If you find hoses are old, worn, cracked or frayed, it’s time for replacements. Radiator leaks cause the engine to overheat and mean costly repairs for you. 

Check Engine for Leaks:

Keep your eye on gages and pay close attention to “low level” warnings. If you begin to notice stains or fluid puddles on your driveway or anywhere you normally park, it’s time for further investigation. This isn’t the same thing has occasional drippage from the car’s air conditioning, which is normal and happens when you’ve been driving for long periods with the air conditioning on.  What I’m referring to are pools of oil, transmission fluid, etc.  If you notice fluids are leaking, or you see pools of fluid underneath your car,  it’s time to take your vehicle to the nearest mechanic as soon as possible. 

It’s also a good idea to keep tabs on the stuff we sometimes forget or take for granted, such as tires and the horn.  You’ll want to perform routine checks on the following at least once a month:

• Battery posts {look for corrosion}
• Tail lights, head lights, reverse lights, turn signals, and your horn.
• Windshield wipers {look for wear}
• Tires and tire pressure.   

By performing these simple tasks routinely, you’ll help prevent costly repairs down the road.

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