It’s no secret that to have a car that runs well, and you have to invest time and money into its maintenance. But many people don’t realize it’s a two-way street: the better you maintain your car, the less money you have to spend on repairs.
The best way to keep your car in good condition is to follow a routine maintenance schedule. Luckily, you can do most of these tasks with just a few simple tools and some spare time. Here are the basics:
Oil changes
An oil change is an essential maintenance task you can do for your car. It’s also one of the simplest and easily accomplished in less than an hour.
To change your oil, you’ll need an oil filter wrench, a jack, a drain pan, and some new oil. Then, follow the instructions in your owner’s manual to raise your car and drain the oil safely.
Once the oil is drained, replace the filter using the wrench. Then, put the new oil in using the markings on the dipstick to measure how much you need. Afterward, you can lower your car, and you’re done.
When performing this task, be sure to use the type of oil recommended by your car’s manufacturer, and always be mindful of your safety.
Tire pressure
Another critical factor in running your car smoothly is maintaining the correct tire pressure. Overinflated or underinflated tires can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and increased wear and tear.
It’s best to check your tire pressure at least once a month and before long trips. You can find the recommended pressure for your tires in your owner’s manual.
If you need to add air, you can use a tire pump or air compressor. However, be careful not to let the pressure get too high as this can also damage your tires. So, it would help if you could take your time when adding air to your tires.
Belts and hoses
While not as important as oil changes and tire pressure, it’s still a good idea to check your belts and hoses once in a while and look for signs of wear and tear.
You can do this task easily by visually inspecting them for cracks or bulges. If you find any damage, it’s best to take your car in for repair as soon as possible. Don’t wait until it’s too late and the belt snaps.
Head gasket
The head gasket is an integral part of your car that car owners often overlook. This component seals the engine block and the cylinders, and if it fails, it can cause significant problems.
A head gasket failure symptoms include coolant leaks, an inability to keep the engine cool, and white smoke coming from the exhaust. So if you notice any of these in your trusty Subaru car, it’s best to take it in for repair right away.
Head gasket replacement for Subaru cars is more affordable than other repairs, so you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank. In doing so, you can keep your vehicle running like new for years to come.
Brakes and brake pads
Your car’s brakes are one of the most critical safety features. They’re responsible for stopping your vehicle when you need to, so it’s essential to keep them in good condition.
One way to do this is to have your brake pads replaced regularly. Every time you get your oil changed or about every 25,000 miles, you should do so.
If you hear a squealing noise when you brake, it’s a sign that your brake pads are wearing thin and need to be replaced. So don’t wait until it’s too late — get them replaced as soon as possible.
Headlights and turn signals
Although as crucial as some other items on this list, it’s still important to make sure your headlights and turn signals are in good condition. A failing headlight can result in a ticket, and broken turn signals can lead to accidents.
To keep your headlights and turn signals running smoothly, periodically wipe them down with a rag to remove any dirt or debris. And if they start to show any signs of wear and tear, replace them right away.
One way to test this is to walk around your car and see if the headlights and turn signals come on. If they don’t, you may need to replace the bulbs.
As you can see, it’s crucial to invest time and money into maintaining your car. By following a regular maintenance schedule, you can keep your car running smoothly and save yourself from costly repairs down the road. So take care of your car, and it will take care of you.
