10 Automotive Maintenance Tips for Drivers

Regular vehicle maintenance keeps your car running well and extends its life on Upland roads. Learning how to perform regular vehicle maintenance can save you money by heading off big repair bills. Here is a list of 10 automotive maintenance tips to tell you what to look for. It’s a good idea to take a look at the owner’s manual for your model to find the recommended automotive maintenance schedule, and then contact the service center at Puente Hills Ford to make an appointment!

Tips to Keep Your Car Running Great

1. Read the Manual: If you want to know something about your car, the owner’s manual is the first place to look. It is the ultimate reference for learning what to check and how to do it.
2. Give Your Vehicle a Good Look: Inspect your car for signs of problems like low or flat tires, puddles underneath when you are parked around Chino Hills, or unusual odors so that you can have these issues addressed before they become more serious.
3. Inspect the Tires: Use a tire pressure gauge to check tire inflation and add air to bring tires in line with recommendations in the owner’s manual. Also, check the tread with a penny. With Lincoln’s head facing down, stick the penny into the tread. if you can see all of Abe’s face, you need new tires.
4. Check Engine Oil Level: Use the dipstick to see how much oil is in the engine. Be sure to look at the color of the oil, too. Engine oil should be light-colored or clear. If it is dark, get an oil change. Engine oil helps reduce friction, overheating, and excessive wear in the engine, so this is one of the most important things you can do to extend the life of your car.
5. Don’t Forget the Coolant: Check the level of coolant in the reservoir. If you don’t know where it is, check the owner’s manual. If coolant levels are low, add some so your engine won’t overheat during your West Covina drives.
6. Look at the Engine Air Filter: The engine air filter catches dirt and debris before it can get to the engine. If it’s clogged or dirty, get a new one.
7. Inspect the Windshield Wipers: If your windshield wipers and old and cracked, replace them to make sure you have good visibility in bad weather. Top off the windshield wiper fluid if it is low.
8. Check the Headlights: Make sure your headlights, tail lights, and turn signals are all working properly.
9. Wash Your Car: Keeping your car clean extends the life of the finish. It also gives you a chance to check for chips, scratches, or the beginning of patches of rust, so you can tackle these problems quickly.
10. Keep a Maintenance Journal: Keeping track of when you last performed maintenance tasks or brought your car in for service helps you keep to your car’s recommended automotive maintenance schedule.

Ask the Experts at Puente Hills Ford

Contact us with any questions about your vehicle’s maintenance to find out what you can do at home and when you need to bring your car in. Look online for our service specialsto save money when your car needs a check-up!