Car Routine Maintenance for Neophytes
by: evander
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Word Count: 815
Your car is a very important investment that you would
never want it to experience a breakdown especially if it is new and you are
also new as a driver.
Aside from your parents’ pieces of advice on road safety,
it is also better to read some tips on the magazines or on the internet
perhaps. Your parents may be experts on raising kids but they may not be when
it comes to vehicular concerns. There are several write ups on car safety,
repair and maintenance that you as a neophyte on the road should always keep in
mind.
Examples of these tips are as follows:
Read your owner’s manual first. Written there is
everything about your car that you need to know and remember always. From the
auto parts to the proper repair and maintenance, all are written there. It is
also important to obey the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule as
written there.
To ensure excellent
engine performance, at a good repair shop, have your engine drivability
problems corrected. These problems include hard starts, rough idling, stalling,
diminished power, etc. It is also much better to replace dirty air, fuel and
PCV fuels to ensure a real quality engine performance.
In order to keep
moisture from freezing in the fuel line, place a bottle of fuel
de-icer in your fuel tank once a month. Remember that moisture formation is
prevented in a gas tank that is always filled.
The oil and filter concerns are also specified in your owner’s manual. Change
them according to the stated schedule. Most often, they are changed at least
every 3,000 miles. This is so if driving is mostly stop-and-go or consists of
regular short trips.
Flush and refill
the cooling system as recommended in the manual. Needed to be inspected
periodically are the level, condition, and the concentration of the coolant.
The usually recommended concentration is a 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water.
If you are checking this part by yourself, do not remove the radiator cap until
the engine has thoroughly cooled. Let the tightness and condition of drive
belts, clamps, and hoses be checked by a reliable auto technician.
To achieve further
comfort, the heater and defroster should be in good working condition.
Old windshield blades must be replaced. Buying rubber-clad or winter blades so
that ice will not build up is a must in a winter season.
The brakes should be regularly checked. Consult the manual if you can replace
the original ones with other brands such as EBC brakes.
Inspect the battery
through professional equipment. This is the only appropriate way to detect a
weak one. Remove the corrosion from posts and cable connections. Clean the
entire surface. Make sure all connections are tightened. These should be your
routine. Also check the level of fluid monthly if battery caps are
removable.
Removal of cables might damage or loose data or codes on some newer vehicles.
For further guidance, it is always safe to check your manual. Contact to acids
is dangerous. Avoid contact with corrosive deposits and battery acid by wearing
an eye protection and rubber gloves.
Before going out
with the car, check all lights and bulb. Burned out bulbs must be replaced
immediately. All lenses should be free from road grime. For simple lights
cleaning, a dry rag can be used.
Examine the exhaust system for leaks through putting your vehicle on a lift.
See to it that the exhaust trunk and floorboards do not have small holes. And
take note of this: any sweat in the exhaust is deadly. To avoid this, regularly
check the system.
Worn tires are also
dangerous. Regularly check them to avoid short tread life, uneven wearing, and
cupping. The sidewall should also be checked. Tire pressure should be checked
once a month, but be sure tires are in cool condition before checking them. The
manufacturer’s recommended rotation must be followed. And remember to always
bring with you your spare that is in good condition. The jack, which should
also be always present in your tools area, should also be in good condition.
And lastly, in case
of emergency, you need to have some equipment to back you up. Always bring with
you gloves, boots, blankets, flares, a small shovel, sand or kitty litter, tire
chains, a flashlight, and a cell phone. This will further ensure your safety
especially that you are a neophyte on the road.
Reading some materials on automotive can further add to your knowledge on cars.
About the Author
Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.
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