8 Vehicle Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid for Better Performance
Owning a car has many benefits. For example, you can get from one place to another at any time of the day without depending on others. That said, the vehicle must be well-maintained to serve you well. This involves changing the engine oil, lubricating parts, and washing the exterior regularly. Sadly, many drivers make glaring errors when performing upkeep tasks. Here are eight such car maintenance mistakes to avoid for better vehicle performance.
Not paying heed to the check engine light
The check engine light on the dash indicates the engine needs to be checked for damage. Unfortunately, many overlook this warning because the car seems to be running normally. Not paying heed to the engine check light could lead to internal damage that you may be unable to see or hear. The internal disruption of the engine could even lead to the vehicle breaking down and stalling during a trip. Towing and repairing it after this could cost you much more. So, ensure you address the check engine light as soon as it blinks.
Not performing oil changes regularly
Engines require oil so that their internal parts can stay lubricated and function at maximum potential. With use, the oil starts to break down and eventually turns into a sludge-like substance that can clog the engine if not changed on time. As a result, the oil, which is actually responsible for cooling and lubricating the engine parts, may start to damage them instead. Therefore, you must change it on time. Vehicle manufacturers usually recommend replacing the liquid between 3,000 to 7,000 miles.
Overlooking other fluid checks
The engine oil is just one of the many fluids that require periodic replacement. Other liquids in the car, such as the coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid, also require frequent checks. Not inspecting them could hamper your overall driving experience, lower fuel economy, and damage various car components. Automobile manufacturers recommend inspecting, replacing, or topping off these fluids based on their quality and condition. Changing the fluid on time will enhance your ride’s performance and prevent unforeseen leaks.
Ignoring sounds coming from the brakes
Have you noticed some vehicles on the road making a squeaking sound before coming to a halt? The squeak is usually a sign the brake pads have started to wear out. If your vehicle also makes such a noise, it is time to inspect the brake and repair or replace it immediately. Ignoring the issue and driving without break maintenance could result in the part not functioning at a hundred percent. As a result, it may put you and your passengers at much greater risk when the car is on the move. Sometimes you may not hear a sound but get unusual feedback when the brake is applied. This is also an indicator that the brakes require immediate attention.
Neglecting tire rotations
Many people pay close attention to several aspects of their cars but neglect the tires, which costs them a lot in the long haul. These days, vehicle tires are designed to go without replacements for about 50,000 miles with occasional tire rotations. Skipping the rotations may bring down the life of the rubber to just 5,000 to 8,000 miles. Since tires may have varied patterns depending on the car’s position and factors like road surfaces, rotating them frequently could ensure they wear more evenly and last longer.
Using spare parts based on advertisements
Many brands manufacture third-party parts for vehicles, such as air and oil filters, spark plugs, and brake cables, and advertise them. These spares may fit your car’s make and model perfectly and cost much less than the original offered by the manufacturer. However, using them could have downsides. The spares may work well only for a short while and affect the vehicle’s performance later. For example, using a different engine oil may work but offer a much lower mileage than its original counterpart. It could also damage the engine and reduce the car’s life. Therefore, always use the parts the manufacturer recommends when performing maintenance tasks.
Using the same windshield wipers for years
Many retain the same windshield wipers for years to save on vehicle maintenance. But what they do not realize is that the wipers degrade with time, become prone to tearing, and leave streaks of dirt behind when used for extended periods. Furthermore, if the wiper blades come in direct contact with the windshield, they may leave scratches that require changing the glass, costing you a fortune. Using the same scratched windshield could reduce your ability to see the road ahead clearly in precipitation like snow, sleet, or rain. Therefore, it is imperative to change the wipers occasionally as the manufacturer indicates, or earlier if worn out.
Avoiding professional assistance for major maintenance
Some vehicle parts are easy to change without the assistance of an expert. For example, you could put on a spare when a tire deflates or polish your vehicle’s clear coat with a rubbing compound to cover scratches. However, cars also have complex fittings like sensors to regulate fuel injectors, spark plugs, and idle speed that only a few can change independently. You may damage the component in an attempt to fix it yourself without sufficient knowledge and skill. Doing so will also void any warranty on that particular part. So, to avoid such problems in the vehicle, take your car to a professional to carry out maintenance work on complex components.
Besides these, a few other car maintenance mistakes to avoid include not checking the tire pressure, not replacing the air filters, and using a home glass cleaner to clean the windshield. Such blunders can reduce the life of your car and impact its performance.
