There's an old saying: Take care of your car, and it will take care of you. There's a lot of truth in that. Simply put, if you want your vehicle to uphold its high standards of performance and safety, you've got to do your part, attending to all its routine maintenance needs. An investment in routine maintenance extends your vehicle's lifespan; it ensures it functions at an optimal level; and it can help you avoid disastrous, potentially expensive issues down the road.
But where can vehicle owners get started with routine maintenance? Here are a few guidelines.
Read the manual
Hopefully, you still have your car's owner's manual! If not, do a quick Google search, as most manufacturers now put their manuals on the Web. It may not be the most scintillating reading in the world but remember that the manual was written by the designers and engineers of your car… the people who know it best! If nothing else, you'll learn how often you need to get the oil changed, what kind of oil is used, what psi level your tires should maintain, etc.
Don't ignore the dashboard lights
Another important tip is to keep an eye on the red and yellow lights on your dashboard, which serve as your vehicle's way of letting you know when there's a problem. If one of these lights comes on, it's because your car needs some attention; it may be as simple as re-inflating your tires, or it may be something that requires you to make a service appointment. Either way, don't ignore these lights, as they only come on if there's something really important happening.
Stay on schedule
More than anything, you'll want to make sure you keep to a routine maintenance schedule; you might even want to use your planner or your Google Calendar to keep up. Basically, you'll want to make routine appointments at the service center of your choice, where you can have the oil changes, the brakes inspected, the fluids topped off, the tires rotated, and more. The exact frequency of these visits depends on the kind of car you have; again, check that owner's manual!
Be vigilant
Finally, keep your eyes and ears open for anything strange while you're driving. This could be an unusual sound, a smell, a fluid leak, or the sensation of your car pulling to one direction or another. If you notice anything weird, that's a good enough reason to make an appointment at the service center.
We'll say it again: Take care of your car and it will take care of you! Hopefully these quick points will set you in the right direction.
And of course, it's also important to make sure the car you buy is safe and reliable. For that, make sure you visit a reputable used car dealership in South Gate, CA. Reach out to Pro X Motors to learn more!
