We expect a lot from our cars, they literally power our lives. Work, school, road trips, vacations, shopping, and myriad other activities depend on the reliability of our vehicles. A car that won’t start is always unwelcome and frustrating. Maintenance is a big part of owning a car and regular upkeep is essential to reducing unnecessary wear and tear as well as preventing serious problems and big repair bills. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule in your Owner’s Manual and avoid these 10 maintenance mistakes to keep your car at its best.
Taking your tires for granted
Tires are tough, but they’re not indestructible and require monitoring to keep them at peak performance. Failure to check tire pressure and rotate and align your tires can shorten tire life by causing faster wear and uneven tread loss. Regular tire rotation will ensure longer tire life from even wear since tires wear in different patterns depending on their position on the car. Tire pressure can affect a car’s braking distance, fuel economy, and handling so regular pressure checks with a tire pressure gauge can help you keep them at the manufacturer's recommended psi per the Owner’s Manual. Wheels out of alignment cause tires to wear more quickly, and the car can become difficult to steer, pulling to one side rather than going straight.
Missing Recommended Oil Changes
Getting recommended oil changes as per the Owner’s Manual is the best way to protect your car’s engine. If you go too long between oil changes, the oil becomes thick and dirty, forcing the engine to work harder and eventually to overheat. Most cars require oil changes between 5,000 to 7,500 miles for regular motor oil and up to 15,000 miles for synthetic oil.
Ignoring Brake Problems
Faulty brakes can open up a world of hurt, so at the first sign or sound of brake trouble, have your brakes inspected. This includes “soft” brakes you have to pump to stop, grabbing brakes, and grinding or squealing noises from the wheels when you apply the brakes. The Owner’s Manual again is the guide for servicing the brakes, typically every 50,000 miles, but don’t wait if your brakes start acting up. It could just be worn brake pads, an easy fix that, if ignored, could damage the rotors which are expensive to replace.
Not using the right auto parts for repair
If hands-on is how you relate to your car, doing your own maintenance and repairs, it may be tempting to try to save money by using the cheapest auto parts you can find or even your own “workaround.” To protect your car, you should only install auto parts that are designed to fit your car’s specific make and model. If you’re faced with an expensive repair, LKQ Online is the place to find high-quality used OEM (original equipment manufacturer) auto parts that will save money without sacrificing value. Our vast inventory of used auto parts for most makes and models of cars and trucks lets you secure genuine OEM used car parts that are manufacturer recommended to ensure the best performance and perfect fit to keep your car on the road.
Letting your car repeatedly overheat
If your car overheats, pulling off to the side of the road for it to cool off will get you back on the road, but it’s not a good idea to repeatedly do this. Overheating is a sign that something is wrong, something that could result in a blown head gasket, warped cylinder head, or destroyed engine. If the temperature gauge registers hot, have the cooling system checked for low coolant or coolant leaks as well as the engine oil level and quality of the oil.
Not checking fluid levels
Engine oil is not the only auto fluid to keep an eye on. Other critical fluids in your car include brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, radiator coolant, and battery fluid if a non-maintenance-free (NMF) battery. Check fluid levels every month or two and top them off as necessary. The Owner’s Manual has instructions on checking the fluid levels, so it doesn’t have to involve a visit to the mechanic if you have correct fluids on hand.
Ignoring dashboard warning lights
Warning lights are triggered by sensors and computers when something is not right with your car. Some are more serious than others, like the check engine light versus the door ajar light, but the warnings should never be ignored. If you don’t know what a light signifies, check the Owner’s Manual for descriptions to determine if it requires immediate attention. In some cases, a trip to the mechanic is the best way to resolve a serious threat.
Ignoring new or strange noises when driving
As with the warning lights, noise can be an indicator of a possible problem with your car. Cars are complex machines with many moving parts, so there will be a certain amount of noise when driving. But if you hear a new or unfamiliar noise, you need to determine what it means. Rattling, grinding, humming, hissing, whirring, whining, clicking, tapping, squealing, knocking, popping, or banging may be the first sign of a mechanical problem. A strange noise can be anything from the wrong type of fuel (engine knocking) to an engine or transmission about to go bad. Diagnose it early and get it fixed before it becomes a bigger, more expensive problem.
Not keeping your car clean, inside and out
For a car to hold its resale value, it has to look good. But even if you’re not going to be selling any time soon, keeping your car clean inside and out protects the paint and all other surfaces and it’s more pleasurable to drive. Regular washing gets rid of dust, dirt, and debris that will dull and scratch the finish and can lead to premature rusting. Periodic waxing is added protection against vehicle paint deterioration. For the interior, vacuum regularly and wipe away dust and grime from the dashboard, doors, and console. If you haul around kids and pets, seat covers will protect the upholstery to help your car’s interior last longer.
Not driving the car
Cars are meant to be driven, so it’s a good idea to start a garaged or parked car at least once a week and take it for a drive every month. If a car is left sitting for months, it can develop flat tires, the battery can go dead, and—believe it or not—mice, rats, chipmunks, squirrels, and opossums can set up housekeeping under the hood, chewing on the car’s wiring and wreaking havoc. A favorite way they enter is climbing on the tires and then crawling their way up. The weekly startup and monthly drive will keep your car running and scare away any unwanted guests.
An ounce of prevention …
With all that’s riding on your car, it’s important to make time for automobile maintenance. Take control of your car's health with regular checkups so it’s always ready when you are. With your Owner’s Manual as a guide and these 10 mistakes to avoid, you can live in harmony with your car.