The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that there are nearly 11,000 tire-related motor vehicle crashes annually, many of which could be prevented with some basic tire maintenance. (Watch one of Milchtein's TikTok videos explaining how to check tire pressure below.) One easy way to keep your car safe? Maintain your tire pressure. The number one reason to maintain your car is to keep it safe to drive. Maintain your tire pressure, wipers and other basics Whether you're a first-time driver or a seasoned pro on the road, Milchtein has some great tips on how to become a more confident car owner and save money along the way. Take the necessary steps to help prevent injuries always use protective gear like helmets, safety goggles, and gloves.Life Kit How to buy a car (without being taken for a ride)Ĭhaya Milchtein is the founder and creator of Mechanic Shop Femme, an automotive education company that helps women and LGBTQ+ people feel empowered to purchase and care for their vehicles. Prior to using or installing any of these products always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for compatibility and warranty information.Īlways take appropriate safety precautions when working on or operating your vehicle. Learn more car maintenance tips & tricks from :ĭownload a printable version of this maintenance schedule here. It wouldn’t hurt to keep some snacks in the glove box too. You’re more likely to get stuck somewhere in the winter, so make sure you’ve packed jumper cables, an ice scraper, a shovel, sand or kitty litter (for stuck tires), tire chains, a flashlight, extra windshield wiper fluid, and warm clothes like gloves, boots, and a blanket. Make sure to check your tire pressure, battery life, breaks, windshield wipers, spark plugs, and lights to make sure they’re all performing smoothly and nothing needs to be replaced.Ī leaky exhaust system can be especially dangerous during the winter, so now’s the time for an annual check-up. WinterĪlways keep your gas tank at least half full, make sure you’re using the right coolant (to keep it from freezing), and for older vehicles, consider switching to a thinner viscosity of motor oil. Let a professional look under the hood and make sure your year’s worth of maintenance has gone according to plan. It’s never a bad idea to get an annual tune-up, and fall’s a great time with winter weather coming up shortly. And check your battery, brakes, exhaust system, windshield wipers, lights, hoses, and belts.Īn annual check-in will serve you well when it comes to your shock absorbers, struts, chassis parts, and other related parts. Make sure all of your fluids are covered, including power steering fluid, transmission fluid, brake fluid, windshield wiper fluid, and coolant.Ĭheck your HVAC system to make sure all components are running smoothly for changing temperatures. Worried about switching from conventional to synthetic? Don't be. Make sure you change your oil and oil filter regularly and consider upgrading to a synthetic for extra protection. High temperatures, long road trips and towing loads can mean a hotter engine that asks more of your motor oil. Have a professional monitor your refrigerant levels and check for leaks. Nobody wants to be without AC once the heat sets in. (Your windshield wipers should be fine since you just replaced them.) Also check on your brakes, filters, hoses, and belts. Now’s a good time to look under the car to make sure there are no leaks, too.įirst and foremost, check your tire pressure, as rising temperatures may affect your tire pressure and lead to flats or blowouts. SummerĬheck your power steering fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluid, windshield wiper fluid, and coolant. Spring showers will bring heavy usage of your windshield wiper blades, so this time of year works well for an annual replacement.Ĭheck your oil filter (learn how to choose the right one), engine air filter, cabin air filter, and fuel filter to make sure they’re all in good shape, and replace whatever needs it. And be sure to check your lights (interior and exterior), battery, brakes, belts, and hoses. And of course, make sure you’re not due for an oil change.Ĭheck your tires to make sure they have enough air and enough tread (try the penny test). Top off anything that’s getting too low, and flush whatever systems are recommended by the manufacturer. For fluid maintenance, check the power steering fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluid, windshield wiper fluid, and coolant. Note: Maintenance may vary for higher-mileage vehicles or vehicles driven in extreme temperatures. Here’s a basic seasonal guide to auto maintenance that you can DIY at home or review with your local mechanic. Our cars are like us-they need proper, routine checks to stay healthy. Here’s a pro-tip to keeping your vehicle maintained: Check-up every season.
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