26 Apr Essential Car Maintenance You Should Know

Your vehicle is a machine that requires regular maintenance. Most vehicles begin their maintenance at 5,000 miles and continue for every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. However, regularly checking your car is ideal for keeping it on the road much longer. The manufacturer manual contains all the maintenance your car needs and when you should do it. Calling our car mechanic in Adelaide is the best way to ensure your car runs smoothly and remains in optimal condition.

However, you can learn to handle basic maintenance practices. Learning car maintenance basics can also save you during emergency times when your vehicle breaks down in the middle of nowhere, and you have no cellular service. 

Vehicle Maintenance Measures You Can DIY

Here are car maintenance practices you can implement yourself.

• Check tire pressure. Checking your tire pressure often is an essential car maintenance practice. Use a tire pressure gauge to check your tire pressure every morning before hitting the road. The carmaker’s decal, found on the driver’s door or jamb, indicates the level you should inflate your tires. Your tire may indicate the maximum pressure, but the recommended air pressure is based on your vehicle’s weight and not the tire brand. 
• Check oil levels. Oil keeps your engine and other moving parts lubricated to avoid friction and reduce wear and tear. Checking your engine oil is a straightforward process. Pop the hood and remove the dipstick. Wipe the dipstick with a rag and reinsert it into the dipstick tube. Pull it out again and check the oil level. The dipstick has two marks indicating “Full” and “Add” levels. If your oil falls below the “add” mark, you need to add oil. 
• Check Engine Filter. Checking and replacing your air filter is easy. Ensure you replace your engine filter based on its condition instead of your manufacturer’s recommendation. This is because it can wear out before the scheduled date. Remove the filter and hold it up to bright sunlight or another source of bright light. If the light passes through the filter, you can put it back in your vehicle without replacing it. However, replace it if it fails this test. 
• Listen and Feel Your Breaks. You probably know that brakes are a crucial component of your car. So, you should feel your brakes and listen to any sound they produce as you drive. If your brakes feel spongy and you must apply more pressure than usual, call our mechanic in Adelaide. If you notice any grinding, rattling, or squealing sound, you need to take your car for maintenance or repair. 

These DIY maintenance practices will ensure you keep your car cruising down the road. 

Our Services at K&A Auto Services

With over 30 years of experience, our team at K&A Auto Services are qualified to offer a broad range of mechanical services. We are specialists in crash repair, brakes, timing belts, and other services. You can also take advantage of our car detailing services in Edwardstown to repair minor dents and have a complete re-spray. Book your time with our mechanics for personalised assistance.