Car enthusiast or not, there are some car maintenance tips that every owner needs to know. These tips are not rocket science and do not require a workshop to perform. A few tools and a bit of dedication will go a long way in ensuring the longevity of the car. If performed correctly and regularly, these tips will help avoid expensive bills at the workshop:

1. Regular oil changes

Ensuring the oil is changed at regular intervals plays a huge role in the car’s mileage. Currently, manufacturers recommend oil changes after covering anywhere in between 12,000 to 15,000 km. This value can vary depending on the manufacturer and the kind of driving the car is used for. It is advised to keep track of the mileage when changing oils. This will help understand when the oil has to be changed next.

2. Tires

Tires are one of the main features of car maintenance and should be taken very seriously. Tires need to have the right amount of pressure at all times. They should also not be worn out and checking the tread depth will help keep that in check. Misalignment of tires is common and regular alignment checks are also key in ensuring a well-maintained car. Tires should also be rotated every 5000 miles to keep wheels equal in terms of wear and tear.

3. Liquid levels

There are many liquids involved in the functioning of a car. Namely, it is the coolant, windshield washer liquid, and the oil. To understand when the levels are below the recommended values, it is important to refer to the manual provided by the manufacturer. The levels should always be in between the minimum and maximum values.

4. Battery

One of the most important components of a car is the battery. It is necessary to ensure that the battery is kept in check and replaced if necessary. Replacement usually happens only in the long run but should be performed if necessary. The terminals connecting the wires need to be cleaned regularly. In case the car will not be used for a lengthy duration, provision should be made to start the car once every two weeks to ensure the battery does not die.

5. Air filters

The efficiency of the engine of the car is highly dependent on the mixture of fuel and air. This implies that the air quality going into the car has to be pure and free from dust particles etc. The air filters are responsible for this function and hence have to be cleaned on a regular basis. Sometimes, it even calls for a replacement of the filter. A clean and functioning air filter will improve the fuel economy and give the car improved mileage.

6. Lights

As a car owner, it is of utmost importance that one is well versed in their car’s warning lights. These lights are there for a reason and ignoring it can only bring about undesired and expensive consequences. Cars these days come with a variety of lights made to ensure the driver is kept up-to-date on the real-time status of different aspects of the car. These warning lights include service engine light, engine light, electrical fault light, brake warning light, cooling warning light, and oil warning light to name a few. Knowledge of this is one of the key aspects of ensuring optimal car maintenance.