Do you hear strange noises coming from your engine? Do you smell a weird odor coming from under the hood? These are all signs that indicate that there’s something wrong with your engine. There are several preventative measures you can take to at least ensure that you are at least driving a safe car. Here are a few helpful tips.
The Towing Team San Diego Gives Tips on Car Maintenance
Check Your Oil
This sounds like the most common and simplest thing you can do. It also happens to be on the key factors of engine problems. You should always pay attention to the lights on your dashboard, and if you see anything blinking, take your car to the nearest service station. Always make sure that your oil is properly changed on time, to further ensure the life being of your car’s engine.
Check Your Tires
You should always carry the necessary tools to change a flat tire, and have a spare located in the trunk of your car. You can also check each tire to make sure they have enough pressure, and fill them with air at a local service station. Rotate tires every 6,000 miles to prevent uneven wear, replace them when they become worn and have the alignment checked if the car pulls to either side when driving or if you notice uneven tire wear.
Check Your Brakes
Check to ensure that brake fluid levels are within tolerance. How often you need to replace brake pads or other components depends on how you drive and typical driving conditions. Warning signs of a brake problem include noise, vibration or sudden grabbing movements, when you apply the brakes. This is a job best left to a professional mechanic.
Check Your Transmission
Checking the automatic transmission fluid is another vital item on the car maintenance checklist. Look for a reservoir marked ATF (automatic transmission fluid) and follow the same steps as monitoring the oil level, except with the engine running. Follow manufacturer’s recommendations for change intervals, about every 30,000 miles. You should definitely have a mechanic look under your hood for a routine check up.
