Three Must-Know Car Maintenance Tips for Drivers

Unexpected car troubles are common. However, you can usually avoid them with the right preparation. Thankfully, extending your car’s lifespan is easier than you might realize. To keep your vehicle in good condition, check out these three must-know car maintenance tips for drivers.
Create Your Own Schedule
Your owner’s manual lays out essential car maintenance routines, such as tire rotations, oil changes, filter changes, and coolant refills. Instead of waiting for warning lights to pop up on the dashboard, stick to the routine maintenance schedule inside your manual. That way, you can avoid premature drops in the car’s performance. Routine maintenance is the key to extending your car’s life.
 
So, take some time to sift through the manual and create your own concise schedule. You can write the maintenance schedule on a piece of paper and refer to it regularly. On the other hand, you can jot down scheduled upkeep tasks in your digital or physical calendar—whichever option best suits your preference.
Account for Extreme Conditions
Some driving conditions require car owners to conduct maintenance tasks sooner than the manual states. For example, driving over rough or otherwise hazardous terrain can inflict damage to your tires. So, always give them a good inspection after driving through such conditions.
 
Likewise, schedule upkeep tasks like tire and windshield wiper replacements beforehand if your local area experiences harsh seasonal weather throughout the year. This way, your car will deliver reliable performance when the extreme weather arrives. Knowing to prepare for weather is one of the top three must-know car maintenance tips for drivers because it minimizes the chances of technical difficulties striking amid extreme weather conditions.
Make Time for Car Tires
Not every car owner inspects their tires routinely. However, checking your tires once or twice a month will help you avoid unforeseen blowouts. From rough roads to low tire pressure, various factors affect your wheels’ longevity. As mentioned above, if you drive through rugged terrain or harsh weather regularly, you should conduct tire inspections more frequently.
 
Simple actions like learning about the different types of tread wear are invaluable for ensuring your car performs optimally. By regularly inspecting tires, you can stop seemingly small problems from becoming much larger, more costly issues in the future.