5 Car Maintenance Tips For Teens And New Drivers
Your car requires regular maintenance to ensure that it works smoothly when you use it. It is one of your duties as a vehicle owner. Cars necessitate routine maintenance. While more comprehensive maintenance will differ based on the vehicle type you own, many vital maintenance tasks will benefit all vehicles. Here are five car maintenance tips for teenagers and first-time drivers.
Change the Oil and Other Fluids Regularly
Vehicle maintenance is incomplete without oil changes. Your car’s oil is in charge of lubricating all of its moving parts. Moving parts in a car that aren’t lubricated can cause severe damage. You must change your oil regularly if you want it to run smoothly. Your vehicle contains many other fluids that are essential to its operation. Check the levels of brake and transmission fluids, coolant, and washer fluid when changing the oil.
Tire Rotation is Necessary
Checking and maintaining your tires is a vital part of maintaining safety. Tire rotation is another necessary car maintenance service. Consider having it done every time you change your oil. In addition, at least once a year, check the wheel alignment. It is also recommended that you maintain the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle to avoid potential problems such as a tire blowout. Additionally, keep an eye out for signs of damage or low tread. These things can help ensure that your car performs at its best.
Check the Brake Pads
Most cars have disc brakes, which stop the vehicle by pressing ceramic pads against metal discs. Over time, these pads deteriorate, reducing braking power. Keep an ear out for occasional or steady squeaks or squeals when using the brakes. These noises usually mean that your brakes need servicing. Also, have your brake pads checked regularly, usually when you go to rotate the tires. Replace them as per your mechanic’s advice because they may no longer function correctly.
Replace and Clean your Wiper Blades
Windshield wipers are an essential component of safe driving. When it rains, sleets, snows, or when bugs attack, you must be able to clear your windshield so you can drive safely. Wiping all that dust and dirt off your windshield is taxing. Make cleaning your wiper blades a habit. Wiper blades, made of rubber, eventually wear out. Worn blades leave streaks that are difficult to see through, making driving more difficult. Replace your wiper blades regularly, based on wear and tear, regional driving conditions, and how much you drive.
Check the Battery
A dead battery can strand you with little or no warning. Slow engine starts are an early warning sign that your battery is nearing the end of its life. Aside from the need for a new charge, one of the most common battery issues car owners face is corrosion on their batteries. Too much deterioration and your battery will struggle to conduct a charge properly, requiring a new battery or even causing damage to your vehicle. Furthermore, there are numerous things that you may be unaware of that can drain your battery. Even when your car is turned off, it consumes some battery power. So, when your engine is off, avoid turning on your radio, headlights, or interior lights.
