Top 10 Car Maintenance Mistakes

Simply put, preventative maintenance ensures that your car continues to operate at maximum capacity, is ready for any season and retains its value over time. 

Here are the top 10 car maintenance mistakes that you might be making – and how to avoid them in the future.

1. Not Knowing Your Vehicle Inside, Out

Your vehicle is one of your most prized possessions and you wouldn’t want to suffer any loss on it. Just like you familiarize yourself with a new tool or software, it is important that you approach your car’s maintenance needs in a similar way. 

While simple things like changing the oil on time and checking the tires are key for good maintenance, other things to look out for include: ensuring that all the parts are in working condition, keeping an eye on your driving habits and how they can impact your tires, etc. 

The art of proper maintenance lies in the details; do not ignore even the slightest hint that could signal a major breakdown in the long run. 

A good idea is to get your hands on the owner’s manual and follow all instructions before it’s too late.

2. Incorrect Tire Pressure

An indispensable part of your routine should be to check the tire pressure at least once a month. And what could be better than using some of the best tire pressure gauges to do so. 

Usually, the recommended pressure is between 30 and 35 PSI (pounds per square inch). It is important that the ideal level is carefully monitored so that they are not under or over inflated. 

Did you know that an under-inflated tire could be the reason that your vehicle is consuming excess fuel? It can also cause your car to under perform and pose a serious risk during emergencies. In short, ensuring the right pressure will elongate the life of your tires and provide considerable cost savings.

Also, you should change out your tires according to the season – for instance, your all-season tires might not do well in brutal winter months, especially if you live in an area which gets a lot of snow. In other words, you need to opt for specially designed winter tires that provide extra grip on ice covered roads.

3. Not Ensuring Optimum Oil Levels

There is a manufacturer’s recommended schedule for every car’s oil needs. 

Needless to say, failure to follow this schedule can cause irreversible damage to the engine and the charges may not even be covered by your insurance provider.

Even if you don’t change your motor oil every 3,000 miles, do not skip oil changes as this can lead to sludge deposits in the engine – and lessen the life of your car.

4. Leaving The Air Filter Unattended

Besides basic cleaning, you need to go the extra mile sometimes to get rid of any accumulated dust or debris in your air filters.

Remember, a clean filter is crucial for ensuring that the engine does not get choked, which can seriously undermine its performance. 

You wouldn’t want an entire engine replacement cost added to your maintenance bill just because you forgot to keep the filters clean.

5. Driving With An Over-Heated Engine – You Better Be Careful!

Reduced engine power, a ‘hot’ hood, distinct burning smell and a warning light – these are some of the most common signs of an overheated engine. 

If you continue to drive your car despite these signals, it’s likely that you will crack the cylinder heads and engine block; leading to a very expensive trip to the mechanic. 

Some of the ways to ensure that your engine does not overheat include; repairing broken fans or blown head gaskets, checking if the coolant is leaking, etc.

6. Ignoring Fluid Service – Coolant, Break And Transmission Fluid

The engine is like the heart of the vehicle and anything that ensures its optimum functioning should be given due attention. 

As such, do not use just any coolant on the market – while most companies claim that their version is the safest, it is your responsibility to cross check the owner’s manual for the right type of coolant for your engine. 

Similarly, break and transmission fluids need to be checked and changed frequently so as to avoid leaks and keep your car operating properly.

7. Not Changing Old, Worn Out Windshield Wipers 

If your wipers are leaving streaks on your windshield – or if the blades are cracked – then it’s time to change them. Typically, it’s a good idea to replace your blades every six months or so to avoid visibility issues during rain or snow.

8. Not Using An Automotive Glass Cleaner

If you’ve been using glass cleaners made for tables and windows in your home to clean your rear window, stop immediately. These cleaners typically have ammonia which can break down the thin red wires used for defrosting.

Instead, use special cleaners that are specifically designed for automotive glass. 

9. Saving On After-Market Parts versus OEM

Opting for aftermarket parts to save a bit of money is not a good idea. For one, these are not manufactured specifically for your car and model, and are usually made of sub-standard materials. 

In comparison, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts often come with warranty and do not wear out quickly. This means that you don’t have to spend money to replace them every year. 

10. DIY Without The Proper Equipment

In recent years, cars have become increasingly complex due to on-board computers and new tech. While you can still perform basic repairs and maintenance – such as changing the oil – a full body checkup cannot be done without special tools, diagnostic equipment, etc.

Simply put, you should take your car to a professional every six months or so, instead of guessing what could be wrong with it. 

When it comes to your car repairs, procrastination can cost you far more than promptly addressing the issue. Do not wait for the situation to worsen and instead do your homework, study the owner’s manual and take your car for the necessary inspection that is long due.