If you are a new car owner, it can be a bit tough to figure out what you are supposed to do with your vehicle. Naturally, there is some information in your owners manual as well as what you can find on the internet, but realistically you are on your own. That is where we have come in. We know our cars and trucks that we tow, and no matter the make or model, here are 5 tips on how to ensure your car will be reliable.
1. Tires
This may seem like a no-brainer, but your tires need to be kept in shape. Last year alone, over 11,000 tow-away accidents happened in the United States due to tire failure. First, you will need to check your air pressure. Use a pressure gauge and check them at least once a month, and match the number in your vehicle’s manual, which should have a recommendation. Secondly, rotate your tires. You should be rotating your tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles to ensure even wear. Finally, check your alignment. Poor alignment can result in uneven tread wear, or even worse a serious accident.
2. Check your oil and all of your fluids
As a general rule, you should be checking your oil at least once a month, and changing as directed in your owner’s manual. As well, while you check your oil, ensure that you are checking your power-steering, automatic transmission, wiper and brake fluids. These are not requiring change as much as oil, but if you notice a drop in your levels, you will need to have that checked out.
3. Replace Windshield Wipers
We have all been there, a wiper stops working in the middle of a storm. No matter if it is the middle of winter or the middle of summer, wipers need to be replaced periodically. Changing out a wiper is super simple, and generally, it is a quick and affordable fix that might save you in time of need.
4. Check your air filter
Air filters are one of those that things that we generally forget to do. Take your air filter out, and hold it against a strong light. If there is no light that comes through, it is time to replace your filter.
5. Test the lights
The only thing that will help you see better at night is a working light. You will need to check your lights at least every couple of months. While parked, test your headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals and running lights. If a bulb is out, you will need to either replace the light yourself or if something else has gone, we strongly suggest heading to a mechanic as it might be a fuse.
We here at Abingdon Tow Truck know that when you have a problem, the worst news is when it was easily fixed. No matter if you are an owner, or simply leasing, proper car maintenance is an essential part of making sure your car lasts. If you do happen to run into car problems, make sure to call the team at Abingdon Tow Truck, and see why we are the first call for all things towing.
Hello Steve,
Your list looks good and they are good reminders for all of us, especially when it come to checking our tires before hitting the road or going to sit behind the wheels to start the Engine. Road accidents as you rightly said are more often cause by these common but serious measures we need to take a critical look at.
I also like the idea of changing my oil. It is very vital and for me I think changing it every month is the best way and it will even help the car to be in a good condition, thereby given you the best performance ever.
Thanks a lot for theses tips, they are very important. And I will do well to keep them in mind.
It’s important to keep your car in working order when on the road. It’s important for your safety plus the safety of everyone else on the road with you. Plus a car is a big investment. Taking good care of your car is ensuring you get the most out of your investment.
These are great tips about basic car maintenance and I’ll keep it handy. I know that it’s important to check tire pressure but I haven’t been so good about making sure the tires get rotated. I recently was told that I needed new tires on my 2017 C300 Mercedes and the car is less than a year old. According to the mechanic, tires tend to wear out more quickly if the car is used to do a lot of local driving as opposed to freeway driving. The tread did seem to be pretty worn down on two of the tires but just wondered if it’s normal to have to replace tires so soon.
Is it normal? No. Is it possible? Yes. It would depend on the mileage driven and the conditions driven. You could most definitely wear out a set of tires within a year if you are doing a lot of driving.
Look at the NASCAR races, they go through several sets of tires in one day. Of course that is an extreme example. But to wear tires down in under a year also requires some extreme driving.
If your mileage and driving conditions this year were normal, then I would be questioning that mechanics recommendation.
Proper Car Maintenance Is Defeneftly important for any car owner. I almost think everyone who drives a car, needs to know a least a little about how it works, but most people don’t… Good thing there’s your page here!
I went to Technical College to learn to work on Motorcycles, which have a ton of maintenance too, except with a little more danger when something goes wrong.
That’s a pretty crazy number of 11,000 tow away accidents just because of tire issues, and of course the fluids are important, they’re like the blood of the vehicle!
I live in Washington State where it rains a good 80% of the time, and I need new wipers for my S10, I like to use RainX, But I think some new wipers would be better for the stormy season, any recommendations of what wipers to get in your opinion?
I’m also a big fan of using RainX but it does not replace a new set of wipers. I don’t have any recommendation beyond finding a set the appropriately fits your vehicle.
Hello there! I just got my driver’s license and I’m planning to buy a car. But ky problem is that I can’t decide if I’m going to buy a brand new car or a used car. When it comes to maintenance which one do you think will be less expensive? Thank you for sharing this 5 tips for car maintenance.
That’s really going to depend on the brand of car you buy rather than new vs used. Do some research on the brand and model of car you are interested in purchasing. Some cars are high maintenance regardless if they are old or new. Other cars are low maintenance for many many years. Just a matter of how well made they are.
Hey, great recommendations – thanks!
I drive a Renault Laguna 3 lift back and I know how important the air filter is. My car had dual zone climate control and it’s vital top keep the incoming air as fresh as possible.
I live in the big city and air pollution is a problem, does that mean that air filter replacement intervals need to be shortened?
Hi Steve,
I’m a car guy, a car salesman and now a sales trainer and can totally agree with you on all those 5 tips.
I remember a customer trading in a used car for a new one. I asked him when was the last time he changed his van’s gear oil. He said, “What gear oil?” I explained to him and he said, “Well, I didn’t know I need to change the gear oil.” And the van was 5 years old!
So your article is truly useful! Good one!
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