Perform these monthly checks on your vehicle to keep it running smoothly.
Everyone needs to run their car properly. No one wants to experience the inconvenience of a breakdown on the way to work or a blown tire on the freeway. Not only are these situations dangerous but they can be costly to repair. Fortunately, you can perform these checks on your vehicle every month to keep it running its best.
Check your oil levels
By far the most important – and easiest –check according to garage owners is ensuring that all oil levels are not too low. This is done simply by dipping the measure into the oil tank. Even modern cars now track oil levels on the dashboard. It’s also worth checking your oil, even if you aren’t doing many miles. Thick and dirty oil should be drained, flushed, and replaced immediately.
Monitor your tire pressure
Most auto repair shops recommend checking this one every two weeks. If you overinflate your tires, you wear out the middle of the tire. If you underinflate, you wear out the edge of the tire. Fortunately, it’s easy to check tire pressure using a gauge.
Review car equipment
Sometimes, the unexpected happens and there’s not a lot we can do to avoid it. If a problem occurs with your tire, you need to be properly equipped to deal with the situation. In the worst-case scenario, you may need a new tire, but the basic equipment is tire jack and a wheel brace. Every month, ensure that these pieces of equipment (and the spare wheel) are in good condition and that you know how to use them.
Test your lights
It’s worth testing lights like the fog light and hazards monthly to ensure they are working properly in case you need them on a journey. Get a friend to help you ensure that the headlights and brake lights are all working, too.
Top up the screen wash
Keep the washer bottle full of screen wash of the correct concentration so that it doesn’t freeze in the washers. In cooler temperatures, you can use screen wash concentrate without adding any water. You never know when you need to clear your windshield on a journey, so it’s worth topping up this fluid regularly!
To help keep your journey safe and protected, Hoffman Brown Company can help secure reliable auto insurance. Contact us today to get started on your tailored policy!
