For years, I really struggled with the concept of taking care of my car. I wanted a vehicle that worked well for me and my family, but I had no idea how to find the right car. I began working really hard to think about what I needed and what I should do, and I was able to find a car that was within my price range and that would fit my entire family. After working with my lender and securing financing, it was nice to drive away in a car that I felt great about using. Check out this blog for great information on automotive problems.
If you just got your first vehicle, there are some items that you are going to need to keep a close eye on as a car owner. You are going to want to check your windshield wipers, tire pressure, oil, and other fluids on a regular basis to keep your car in good shape.
Check Your Windshield Wipers
When it is pouring down rain, you need to make sure that you are able to see. You don't want to be on freeway or a busy road and be unable to see because your wiper blades are worn out.
You can tell that your windshield wipers are worn out when they leave behind water instead of clearing all the water away when you use your wipers. If you look at the actual blades, you may notice that the blades show signs of wear and damage. In general, you may end up needing to change your wiper blades out twice per year.
Check Your Tire Pressure
Next, you are going to want to check the tire pressure on your tires. This is something that you should do on a monthly basis. Having the correct tire pressure provides you with the right grip that you need to drive safely on the road and can have a positive impact on your overall gas mileage as well.
Your tires will leak out air over time. Tire pressure will also change based on the outside temperatures, which is why it is important to check your tire pressure at least once a monthly. You can go through your local oil change place and have them check your tire pressure, or you can use a small device on your own to measure the air pressure in your tires. Many gas stations have air stations where you can fill up and check the pressure in your tires.
Check Your Oil
When you get your oil changed, you should have a sticker in the inside corner of your windshield that lets you know how often you need to have your oil changed. Pay attention to this sticker and respect the recommendation that it provides you with. In between oil changes, check your oil levels to make sure that your vehicle is not leaking oil.
Check Other Liquid Levels
You are going to want to check other liquid levels on your vehicle as well. Keep your washer fluid full; remember, being able to see through your windshield helps keep you safe on the road. Check the coolant level and make sure that it is full, this helps keep your engine cool. Also, get the fluid level in your brakes checked at least once a year.
When you own a vehicle, you need to check your tire pressure every month and adjust it as needed. Keep an eye on all your fluid levels, and make sure that they are always at the minimum fill level. Be ready to change out your windshield wipers at least twice a year so you can ensure that you can always see through the rain. If you don't feel confident checking these items yourself, have a local auto shop preform a vehicle safety check.