Every car requires maintenance if it is to remain in good working order. The older it gets, more attention needs to be paid to its overall care and upkeep. While many car owners understand the need for an oil change and the replacement of an oil filter, many forget other important things on the maintenance checklist.

Why Is Vehicle Maintenance Important?

 

Regular vehicle maintenance is essential if you want to remain safe on the road at all times. Did you know that many accidents occur because automobiles are not roadworthy owing to poor automotive care? Regular vehicle maintenance is equally vital whether you use your vehicle every day or only a few times a week. Here are some reasons why vehicle maintenance is important:

 

Reduced Repair Costs

 

Ignoring routine maintenance is equivalent to waiting for things to deteriorate before having them repaired. Vehicle parts are costly, and in the absence of regular maintenance, they are more prone to be damaged rapidly. In such circumstances, you merely increase the likelihood of the part failing and ending up stuck on the side of the road, needing to call a mechanic. To avoid costly repairs, you should perform regular maintenance and have any faults discovered by the mechanic rectified. This would resolve the problem, and you might not need to replace the part.

 

For Safety

 

When traveling by car, the last thing you want to happen is for your car to break down and there is no garage nearby. Imagine being stuck with your family on a remote road in the middle of the night. On a peaceful road, you never know what you might encounter or what might happen. Such circumstances only endanger you and your family. You may be compelled to call a tow truck to transport your vehicle to a local garage, which would be an additional cost.

 

Increased Mileage

 

No one likes a car that consumes a lot of gas. However, if you fail to perform routine vehicle maintenance, your car may become one. Did you know that a properly maintained car can increase its mileage by 4%? If you have neglected vehicle maintenance for an extended period of time, you are simply harming your vehicle’s fuel economy. Furthermore, a poorly tuned car may have pollution issues, which can result in significant fines from travel authorities. Regular tune-ups and maintenance of your car can enhance mileage by up to 40% in some circumstances. This will result in significant savings.

 

Here are several mechanical faults that you may encounter if your vehicle is not serviced on a regular basis.

 

Cylinder Replacement

 

If you know anything about your car, you will grasp the significance of cylinders, their function, and the expenses of replacing them. If you neglect vehicle maintenance, the mixing of air, gasoline, and sparks may not occur properly, resulting in cylinder overheating and eventual failure.

 

Transmission Assembly Replacement

 

Transmission difficulties might occur if your vehicle is not properly maintained. You will be unable to start your vehicle if there is a severe problem with the transmission system. Consider how dangerous it would be if the transmission failed while you were driving. You and other passengers would be at risk.

 

Regular maintenance is required to keep your car in good working order. It is not expensive and does not take long. You can leave your automobile in the garage and pick it up the same day or the next after the mechanic thoroughly inspects it and conducts necessary repairs.

Here are 8 car maintenance mistakes you should pay attention to:

1. Check the Serpentine Belt

 

Change any belt that is cracked or worn. Cracked belts can break without warning, leaving the car stranded along the roadside.

 

2. Use the Right Transmission Fluid

Manual and automatic transmissions require different types of fluid.

 

3. Check the Brakes from Pads to Cylinder

Many people will look at the brake pads, but forget to check the master cylinder and brake lines. Always make sure the master cylinder lid is secure and the brake lines are not compromised.

 

4. Change the Fuel Filter

The fuel filter is one of the most commonly overlooked items on a maintenance checklist.

 

5. Inspect and Rotate the Tires

It is important to check the tread and wear on each tire. Rotating tires regularly keeps tire wear even.

 

6. Use the Right Oil

Each engine requires a specific type of oil depending on its performance level. Make sure the right grade is used during each oil change.

 

7. Inspect the Radiator and Coolant System

Inspect the entire coolant system for leaks and cracks in the hoses. It is also important to use the right type of antifreeze or coolant in the system. Never use water.

8. Know Where All Grease Points Are

Each vehicle has numerous points where grease must be applied during servicing. Universal joints, ball bearings, torsion bars and other parts of the suspension should be greased regularly.