Don't Make These 5 Car Maintenance Mistakes

For most people, our cars are almost like members of our family. Unfortunately, many of us find out too late that we have neglected to care for something that is valuable. It's frustrating when we get into our car to start it, only to find the battery is dead. Or when the first rain of the season hits, we'll turn on the windshield wipers only to watch chunks of rubber fly through the rain.

Despite how much we rely on our cars, we still take them for granted too often. Putting off scheduled or recommended maintenance on your car can cause problems or put you in dangerous situations. Let's explore the top 5 auto maintenance blunders.

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Mistake #1: Neglecting Oil Changes

Sludge builds up in cars over time, and the only way to completely get rid of it for a smoother-running engine is to change the oil regularly.

Contamination from old oil reduces a vehicle's fuel economy and forces its internal parts to work harder. Overstressing an engine can cause premature failure and reduce its lifespan. Regular oil and filter changes help keep your engine clean and healthy.

How often should you replace your oil?

For most cars, oil changes are recommended every 3,000 miles or six months. How often you drive, your car's age, the kind of oil you put in it, and how often you change it can all affect the frequency of oil changes. With a newer car that uses synthetic oil, you may be able to go as far as 10,000 or even 15,000 miles between oil changes.

5 Easy Ways to Remember Your Next Oil Change

Regularly check the Sticker on Your Windshield.

Set a reminder in your phone's or computer's Calendar.

Link events, like Holidays or Birthdays, to your Bi-Annual Oil Changes.

Opt-in to Text Reminders from your Oil Service Provider.

Use a Scheduling App on your Phone.

Are there risks to skipping an oil change?

Neglecting to get your oil changed will cause your car's oil to thin and become a magnet for grime, metal shavings, and other engine debris. Eventually, the oil will become abrasive and lead to the deterioration of critical engine components. Oil changes are a form of preventive maintenance that could keep you from having to rebuild the engine.

What kind of oil should I use in my car?

The engine oil cap should have a marking indicating the grade you need. The information is also available on the internet and in the owner's manual for your vehicle. In cases where two oil grades are listed, use the one with the lower number in winter.

How does synthetic oil differ from conventional oil?

The size and shape of the molecules in synthetic oil allow it to flow more freely through the engine, shielding it from heat and increasing both power output and fuel economy. Compared to conventional oil, synthetic oil offers improved protection against engine wear.

Can I change the oil on my own at home?

Car owners who are comfortable with their mechanical abilities can change their oil. It's easy to do, doesn't require much equipment, and may save money and time. Just be sure to use the correct oil and filter and recycle the used oil at a designated drop-off site.

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Mistake #2: Neglecting Tire Maintenance

Tires play an important safety role because they are the only parts of your car that connect you to the road. Several potential hazards can arise if you fail to monitor the health of your tires.

It is a good idea to check the air pressure every two to four weeks, as well as before going on a long road trip or carrying a heavy load. For the most accurate results, check the tire pressure while they are cold.

Checking Tire Pressure:

Remove the cap of the tire's air valve and store it safely.

Press the tire gauge into the open valve stem and hold.

Read the number on the air pressure gauge.

Does the number match the recommended air pressure?

Add or release air as needed.

Replace the valve cap.

Inspecting Tread Depth

You can use a simple trick for checking your tire's tread depth called the "Penny Test." Hold a penny so you can see the top of Lincoln's head. Stick the penny into the tire's tread, and if you can see the top of Lincoln's head, it's time for new tires. There is life left in your tires if Lincoln's head sinks into the treads.

Inspect the tread depth and wear patterns of all four tires. Replace all tires that don't pass the penny test.

The Consequences of Ignoring Tire Care.

If you don't rotate your tires regularly, the treads may wear in irregular spots, making them uneven and unsafe. Tires with excessive tread wear are more likely to overheat, hydroplane, lose grip on wet or snowy roads, and even blow out if they hit a sharp object or rock.

Tire FAQs

When do I need to get new tires?

If your tires are 10 years old or older, you should replace them. If your tires have been punctured, underinflated, overloaded, or damaged in any other way, you may need to replace them before they reach ten years old. Replace your tires when they are worn out, damaged, or worn unevenly, no matter how old they are.

How much air should I put in my car's tires?

Tire pressure for most passenger vehicles is usually between 32 and 35 psi when cold. Often, the recommended tire pressure for your car will be written on a sticker on the driver's door jam. Your owner's handbook is the next best place to look.

What are the telltale signs that my tires are not correctly aligned?

Your tires are misaligned if you spot one or more of the following:

1. Tires wear out at different rates or in patches.

2. You turn the steering wheel even when trying to go straight.

3. Steering noise or vibration.

4. The car veers to the right or left.

5. Tires squealing.

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Mistake #3: Overlooking the Brakes

Servicing your brakes ensures that they will work when you need them to. Change your brake pads every 10,000 to 20,000 miles and your rotors every 50,000 to 70,000 miles. Inspect the brake pads every time you rotate your tires, or roughly every six months.

Early warning signs of worn Brake Pads:

Squeaking noises.

Metal-to-metal grinding.

Tremors when applying the brakes.

There is a noticeable increase in stopping distance.

The brake warning light is on.

The consequences of ignoring brake maintenance.

Driving with worn brake pads or shoes can be dangerous and lead to expensive repairs. The same goes for low levels of brake fluid. If you've ever been in a situation where you had to do a panic stop, you were relieved if the brakes worked. If you didn't stop in time, your brakes needed servicing.

Brake FAQs

What's the difference between brake pads and brake shoes?

Brake shoes are distinguished from brake pads primarily by the direction of force applied to the brakes. Brake shoes force the vehicle to stop by pushing outward, while brake pads squeeze the rotor to slow or stop the car.

Can I change the brake pads by myself?

Do-it-yourselfers confident in their mechanical abilities can replace their brake pads themselves. However, if you have a newer car, some maintenance performed by you may void your warranty.

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Mistake #4: Ignoring the Warning Lights

Whether it's a door that's not shut or the dreaded check engine light, dashboard warning lights are your car's way of letting you know something is wrong. They come on whenever you turn the key, shine brightly for a few seconds while your car or truck warms up, and make sure everything is in working order before you set out.

What to do if you see warning lights

When there is an issue with one of your car's systems, a warning light will illuminate to alert you. Usually, ignoring warning lights can lead to costly fixes. If a warning light comes on while driving down the road, don't panic. Alarms on the dashboard have specific color codes that most people aren't aware of.

When you see a red caution light, it means something critical is wrong with your car. When a yellow/orange warning light comes on, it's to remind you that maintenance is required. In most vehicles, a green or blue light means that a specific feature is active at that time.

Consequences of ignoring warning lights.

Some people ignore the car's warning lights. They don't understand that the lights are there to help them. Disregarding your vehicle's warning lights could end up with your car suffering major problems and costly repairs. Also, ignoring the warnings might endanger you or those around you.

Warning Lights FAQs

Can I continue driving with a warning light on?

If the check engine light comes on while you're driving, and the problem isn't critical, you should be able to keep going until you can get to a mechanic. In severe circumstances, driving may cause damage to the engine or other important components.

How much does it cost to get a warning light diagnosed?

Check engine light diagnosis and testing usually costs between $90 and $150 at a dealership. Local mechanics and chain repair shops can usually check for a lower rate, but they may not be able to perform the repairs. Your best bet would be to take your car to your regular mechanic.

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Mistake #5: Failing to Follow the Owner's Manual

Required maintenance tasks are outlined in the manual.

The owner's handbook is a book of instructions specifically for your car. There is information on how to take care of your car and fix problems so that you can be a responsible car owner.

By tending to your car as recommended in the owner's manual, you can increase its life span, enhance its fuel efficiency, and protect its resale value. When it's time to sell or trade the car, having complete service records can increase its value.

What your car needs, and in what quantities, is explained in the owner's manual. It also details the best methods for fixing your vehicle, which could be the difference between a well-performing vehicle and something that needs costly repairs. It includes information on when to check the battery, what the warning lights mean, how to check and flush the fluids, and how to clean the vehicle.

In addition, failure to adhere to preventive maintenance instructions may void the vehicle's warranty.

Car Maintenance FAQs

Do I have to take my car to the dealership for maintenance?

No. The law guarantees you the freedom to take your vehicle to any garage for service and maintenance.

Can I use an alternative brand of oil instead of what is recommended?

It won't harm your car's motor in any way. Just be sure to maintain the correct oil viscosity as specified by the manufacturer.

What if I misplaced my user guide?

You can find the instructions for just about any new car online. And quite often, you can find the complete manual. Get in touch with your dealership if you've lost yours and you want a hard copy.

Car Maintenance Blunders: Conclusion

Automobile maintenance is an essential aspect of car ownership. Caring for your vehicle with preventative maintenance ensures your transportation is safe and dependable. Car maintenance does require time and money. But taking care of your car can keep you from paying for expensive repairs if it breaks down.

In this article, we have covered the Top 5 Car Maintenance Mistakes. We've covered oil changes, tire maintenance, brakes, warning lights, and not following the guidelines in the owner's manual. While many other parts of your car require routine maintenance, our Top 5 list is a good place to start.

Vehicles are complicated machines with numerous interconnected components. Regular mechanical maintenance is required to identify faults and maintain your car's optimal performance.