10 Car Maintenance Tips That Will Save Your Time

Authored By Automobile Engineer

It’s important to perform regular car maintenance, whether you just bought your vehicle or it’s been with you since you started driving. 

Even if you’re not an experienced car mechanic, there are certain basic car maintenance tips that everyone should know about in order to save money on automotive repairs down the road. 

Regular maintenance keeps your vehicle safe and reliable, improving the quality of your ride and extending its lifespan. 

Not only that but having regularly scheduled service can save you money in the long run by keeping small problems from turning into expensive ones. 

Source: YouTube

Take a look at these 10 simple car care tips and see if you can implement them into your routine, ensuring that your car will last longer and won’t keep breaking down unexpectedly.

These tips will help you to keep your vehicle in tip-top shape!

Whether you drive to work, school, or the grocery store, you’re going to be spending a lot of time in your car each week.

Your vehicle can also cost hundreds, even thousands of dollars if you don’t maintain it properly. 

Oil Change Car Tips

oil change car maintenance tips

Oil changing is the most important part of vehicle maintenance.

It is important to change your car’s oil regularly in order to keep the engine running smoothly. Depending on the make and model of your car, you should change the oil every 3000-5000 miles.

You can check your car’s owner’s manual to find out how often you should change the oil for your vehicle maintenance.

When changing the oil, use the correct type of oil that is recommended for your car.

Also, while changing the oil, the brake fluid is not dark. If this is the case, you should consider replacing your brake system as soon as possible.  

Fuel Filter Car Maintenance tips

Your car’s fuel filter is responsible for keeping the fuel in your car clean.

fuel filter maintenance

Over time, it can become clogged with dirt and debris, which can cause your car to run less efficiently. To avoid this, it’s important to have your fuel filter replaced every few years.

You can check your car’s owner’s manual to see how often the air pump should be replaced.

If you notice your car is having trouble starting, or if it’s running less smoothly than usual, it could be a sign that your fuel filter needs to be replaced.

If you’re not sure how to do this yourself, you can take it to a mechanic and they can take care of it for you.

If you only take care of your car at a service station, it’s likely that you don’t pay attention to some small details. One of these is changing your fuel filter from time to time. If you don’t know where it is or how it works, there are many tips on how to replace your fuel filter correctly and safely on YouTube.

Your air filters are essential for your engine and will save you tons of money if maintained in good condition.

Transmission Fluid Change Car Maintenance tips

If you have an automatic transmission, it’s important to change your transmission fluid according to your car manufacturer’s recommendations. 

Transmission Fluid Change Car Maintenance tips

Transmission fluid breaks down over time and needs to be replaced to keep your car running smoothly.

If your car is suffering from problems related to shifting, jumping out of gear, or a general decline in performance, it may be time for a transmission fluid change. 

Transmission fluid change will cost you less than $100 and can boost your car’s life expectancy significantly. 

Check with your local mechanic before deciding on how to handle maintenance tasks yourself.

If you have a manual transmission, it’s also important to change your gear oil according to your car manufacturer’s recommendations.

Gear oil breaks down over time and needs to be replaced to keep your car running smoothly. You can usually find the gear oil dipstick under the hood of your car.

Routine Undercarriage Inspection tip for car maintenance

Cars are designed to last many years, but only if they’re properly cared for. Part of taking care of your car is maintaining the undercarriage. 

Routine car maintenance is important for more than just keeping your ride running smoothly. 

Undercarriage Inspection

Regular upkeep helps you identify any hidden problems early on, preventing them from turning into bigger problems down the road. 

One of the most overlooked aspects of car maintenance is inspecting your undercarriage, but it’s worth taking a look. 

Brake dust, grime, and water can accumulate beneath your vehicle and create rust underneath where it’s tough to clean especially if you park outdoors. 

Keep your car in tip-top shape by performing an undercarriage inspection every few months when washing your vehicle.

To inspect your car’s undercarriage, put it on a jack and support it with jack stands.

Then, use a flashlight to look for any signs of rust, corrosion, or damage. If you see anything that concerns you, take your car to a mechanic for further inspection. 

With proper car care, you can keep your car running smoothly for years to come.

Brake fluid, Pads, Rotors, and Lines tips for car maintenance

Brake pads work as a buffer between the caliper and the rotor. When you press on the brake pedal, fluid from the master cylinder is sent to each wheel’s caliper. The caliper presses the brake pad against the spinning rotor, which slows down or stops your car.

Over time, brake pads wear down and need to be replaced. Depending on your driving habits, you may need to replace your pads more or less frequently.

You’ll know it’s time to replace your brake pads if you hear a squealing noise when you press on the brakes, or if the pedal feels “spongy” when you press it.

Source: YouTube

It’s also a good idea to have your brake pads inspected regularly by a mechanic.

Rotors are the large, metal discs that your pads grip onto when you press the brakes. Rotors can warp or become damaged over time.

If you hear grinding noise when you press on the brakes, it’s a sign that your rotors need to be replaced.

You may also need to replace your rotors if they become “wavy” or “uneven.”

brake system in cars

Brake lines are the tubes that carry brake fluid from the master cylinder to the calipers. If your brake lines become leaky or damaged, it can cause your brakes to fail.

You’ll know it’s time to replace your brake lines if you see a puddle of brake fluid under your car, or if your brakes feel “spongy” when you press on them.

You Should also care about your timing belt. A timing belt is a rubber band that has teeth or notches on the inner surface, which are used to precisely synchronize the opening and closing of the engine’s valves.

Tires tips for car maintenance

Tires play a major role in vehicle handling and performance.

Under-inflated tires can lead to poor gas mileage, excessive wear and tear on your car’s suspension system, and unsafe road conditions for other drivers on the road.

The condition of your car’s tires is incredibly important for both safety and efficiency.

tire maintenance in cars

When was the last time you checked your tread depth or had the pressure in all four tires balanced?

If it’s been a while, now is a good time to do so. You can usually get this done for free at most auto parts stores.

Tire pressure should be checked at least once a month and before long trips.

Tires usually lose one pound per square inch (PSI) of air per month due to temperature changes and normal driving conditions. To avoid this issue you should always check your tire PSI and decide on the ride according to air pressure.

To extend the life of your tires, rotate them every 60000 miles. This evens out wear and tear so that they last longer. You should also have your alignment checked periodically to ensure that your car is driving straight. This can save you money on fuel and prevent premature tire wear.

You should always keep a tire pressure gauge for an emergency checkup of tires.

Headlights, Tail Lights, and Bumpers tips for car maintenance

You should regularly check the condition of your car’s headlights, taillights, and bumpers. If any of these are damaged, they should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

Your car’s headlights need to be cleaned regularly. You can do this by using a headlight cleaning kit.

Wiper blades should be replaced regularly (every six months) because they wear out faster when they get dirty from rain or road grime

You should also check the alignment of your car’s headlights and tail lights. If they are not aligned properly, it can cause problems when driving at night. 

If your car’s bumper is damaged, it can be repaired or replaced. If the damage is severe, you may need to replace the entire bumper.

Windshield Washer Fluid & Antifreeze tip for car maintenance

Topping off your fluids is an easy car maintenance tip that can help prevent larger car problems down the road. In the winter, it’s important to have enough windshield washer fluid and antifreeze to keep your car running smoothly. Check your levels regularly and top off as needed.

Windshield washer fluid is used to clean your windshield of debris, bugs, and dirt. Antifreeze helps keep your engine cool in extreme temperatures.

Both are essential for keeping your car running smoothly, especially in harsh weather conditions.

By checking and topping off your levels regularly, you can avoid bigger car problems down the road.

Car’s Engine Maintenance tips

Your car’s engine is the most important part of your vehicle. It’s what makes your car move, and it’s what keeps you moving on the road.

car engine maintenance

That’s why it’s important to keep your car engine running smoothly. Here are some car maintenance tips to help you keep your engine in top condition:

  • Check your oil regularly and change it when necessary. Dirty oil can cause a build-up of debris and sludge, which can damage your engine.
  • Inspect your spark plugs and wires regularly, and replace them if they’re worn out. Worn spark plugs can cause misfires, which can damage your engine.
  • Your coolant and add more coolant if necessary. Coolant helps keep your engine cool, and a lack of coolant can cause your engine to overheat.
  • Check your car’s belt regularly, and replace it if it’s worn out. A worn belt can cause your car to stall or break down.

Drive belts transfer power from the crankshaft or crankcase to the alternator, air conditioning compressor, power steering pump, air pump, water pump, and any other mechanical device.

Engine air filter tips for car maintenance

One car maintenance tip that is often overlooked is changing the engine air filter. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and cause your engine to work harder.

Check your car vehicle’s owner’s manual to see how often the air filter should be changed.

If you live in an area with cold winters, it’s important to winterize your car before the season starts.

This means adding antifreeze to the radiator, checking the battery, making sure the windshield wipers are in good condition, and also keeping an eye on your air filter performance.

If we will talk about filter repairing time then you should consider these time periods in your mind!

Cabin air filter: after every 16,000 to 20,000

Engine oil filter: every 3-months to 5- months

You should always remember this time period if you want to get your car smooth.

Car maintenance tips for Summer

There are a few car maintenance tips to help keep your car running smoothly during the hot summer months.

It is important to keep your car clean. This means washing the outside of your car regularly to remove any dirt, dust, or pollen that can accumulate on the surface.

summer car maintenance tips

It is also important to vacuum the inside of your car and wipe down all surfaces to remove any crumbs, spills, or stains.

It is important to change your oil regularly. The frequency with which you need to change your oil will depend on the make and model of your car, but most experts recommend changing it every 5000 miles or so.

Third, it is important to check your car’s tire pressure regularly. Hot weather can cause the air in your tires to expand, which can lead to a blowout.

Fourth, it is important to have your car serviced regularly. This means taking it to a mechanic for a tune-up and having any necessary repairs made.

Car Maintenance Tips for Winter

If you live in an area with cold winters, there are a few car maintenance tips you should consider to help keep your car running smoothly.

One important tip is to keep your gas tank at least half full. This will help prevent the fuel lines from freezing. Another tip is to have your battery tested.

winter car maintenance

Cold weather can cause batteries to lose their charge more quickly, so it’s important you are in good condition before winter hits.

Check your tires regularly. Winter weather can cause roads to be icy and slippery, so having good traction is essential for safety.

By following these simple car maintenance tips, you can help ensure that your car will run smoothly all winter long.

Car Maintenance Tips for Spring

spring car maintenance

It’s that time of year again! Time to get your car ready for spring. Here are a few car maintenance tips to help keep your car running smoothly all season long:

  • Check your car’s fluids they are at the correct levels. This includes engine oil, coolant, power steering fluid, and brake fluid.
  • Inspect your car’s tires and they have enough tread and are properly inflated.
  • Clean out your car. Get rid of any salt or debris that may have accumulated over the winter months. This will help prevent rust and other damage to your car’s body.
  • Have your car’s battery tested and replaced if necessary? Cold weather can take a toll on car batteries, so it’s important to get a new one if yours is starting to show signs of weakness.

By following these car maintenance tips, you’ll help keep your car running smoothly all spring long!

Electric car maintenance tips

electric car maintenance tips

If you own an electric car, you know that they require a bit more maintenance than your average car. Here are some to keep your car running smoothly:

  • The battery is the most important part of an electric car and needs to be maintained. Check it regularly to see if it has enough power.
  • Change the oil. Electric cars don’t need oil changes as often as regular cars, but it’s still important to change the oil every few months.
  • Check the brakes. Brakes are especially important in electric cars because they use regenerative braking, which means that the brakes wear out faster. It is to check them regularly and replace them if necessary.
  • Keep the car clean. Electric cars are more susceptible to dirt and dust because they have less power to fight it off. to clean your car regularly, both inside and out.

following these tips, you can keep your electric car running smoothly for years to come.

Car maintenance tips for college students

As a college student, you’re probably always on the go. Between classes, work, and extracurricular activities, it can be tough to find time to take care of your car.

college student maintenance tips for car

But keeping up with routine maintenance is important to keep your car running smoothly and avoid costly repairs down the road.

Here are a few car maintenance tips for college students:

  • Change your oil every 5000 miles or according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
  • Get your car inspected once a year. This will help identify any potential problems so they can be fixed before they become bigger issues.
  • Wash and wax your car regularly to protect the paint and keep it looking good.
  • Keep your car clean, both inside and out. A clean car is a happy car!

How to care about the internal side of your vehicle?

The interior of your car needs just as much care as the exterior. You should regularly vacuum and shampoo the upholstery and carpets to remove dirt, dust, and spills.

You should also wipe down all the hard surfaces with a cleaning solution designed specifically for automotive interiors. Don’t forget to clean the windows inside and out!

car maintenance inside

It’s possible that you may have flue so keep a pack of paper towels in your vehicle for this case.

To keep your car smelling fresh, consider using car air fresheners or essential oils. You can also try placing a dryer sheet under each seat to help absorb bad smells.

Try to empty your trash regularly so it doesn’t build up over time.

It is very helpful to wash your car regularly and to protect rubber and plastic parts with a protectant, but a car cover is also very handy. A car cover maintains the appearance of your vehicle for many years, so it is a wise investment. When not in use, keep your vehicle in a garage or cover it when not in use.

Why Car Insurance is Important?

why car insurance is important

Car insurance is very important for a number of reasons.

In the event of an accident, this coverage can provide peace of mind, as it is able to cover the cost of your vehicle’s repairs. 

There are a number of different types of car insurance available and it is important to choose the one that best suits your needs.

Car insurance is important because it protects you financially in the event of an accident or theft.

It can also help pay for repairs, medical expenses, and legal fees. Even if you are a safe driver, you can’t control other drivers on the road. That’s why car insurance is so important.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, many of us (myself included) don’t put a lot of thought into our cars. So when we go to start it one day and it doesn’t turn over, we panic and throw money at someone else to fix it.

While your local mechanic isn’t going to be thrilled about you taking care of some maintenance on your own, he or she will absolutely appreciate not having to come out for an emergency call.

And you will absolutely enjoy saving a ton of money in repairs because you took a few minutes out of your week to work on your car yourself.

The great thing about car maintenance is that none of these tips are hard or time-consuming.

Frequently Asked Question about maintenance of the car

Why do cars need maintenance?

Your car is one of the biggest investments you will make, so it’s important to take care of it. By properly maintaining your car, you can extend its life and avoid costly repairs.

Is washing your car beneficial to its longevity?

It’s a common misconception that washing your car regularly will extend its life. This is not the case! Washing your car does not prevent rust or other damage, and can actually cause some problems if not done properly.

What can I do to extend the life of my car?

The answer is car maintenance. By properly maintaining your car, you can prolong its life and prevent many expensive issues from popping up down.

Can you leave a car without starting it for a long time?

The car’s battery will slowly discharge if the car is not started for a long period of time, and eventually, it will be unable to start the car. To prevent this from happening, start the car and let it idle for a few minutes at least once a week. This will keep the

What is the life expectancy of a petrol engine?

The average car on the road today has a life expectancy of around 12 years or 200,000 miles, whichever comes. This varies depending on make and model, driving habits, and upkeep.

What regular maintenance should be done on a car?

There are a few tips that can be considered as the basics of a good engine maintenance program. The tips are as follows:
1. Change the Oil Regularly
2. Keep the engine clean
3. Change the engine oil filter.
Changing the engine oil filter is the most forgotten of the three tips. People tend to focus more on cleaning the engine than its filter.
The engine oil filter is an important part of the oil changing process as it filters out a large number of contaminants that may get into the engine during the servicing process. The contaminants like metal shavings, lint, dirt, and so on can severely damage the engine if it is not cleared out regularly. The engine oil filter should be checked at every oil change time.

What maintenance does a car need and how often?

Regular maintenance for most automobiles begins at 5,000 miles and continues every 5,000-10,000 miles after that. Of course, checking your car more frequently is preferable. When compared to not completing upkeep, maintenance keeps your vehicle operating smoothly and safely down the road for a considerably longer distance.

What mileage do cars start having problems with?

Vehicles that have traveled 100,000 miles or more are more prone to have difficulties. Furthermore, they usually no longer have a valid manufacturer’s guarantee, which means you’ll have to pay for repairs out of pocket if something goes wrong.

What is a full-service car?

A car service can involve up to 50 or more components, systems checks, and adjustments including An engine oil change and/or filter replacement. Checking lights, tires, exhaust, and operations of brakes and steering. Ensuring your engine is ‘tuned’ to run in its peak condition.

Don Sutton
Don Sutton has had a long and varied career in engineering, spanning four different countries. He began his apprenticeship in New Zealand at Paeroa Motors in 1965 before moving to the United States where he studied at Paeroa College before accepting a job as an engineer with Bendix/Kirby/TRW/Tristar. His work involved designing components for the automotive industry for over thirty years, including brake pads, power steering pumps, and fuel injectors. In 2005 Don left automotive design to pursue other interests but maintains an interest in all things related to automobiles. He is currently retired from engineering but continues to consult on issues relating to vehicle testing and manufacture when needed!