Your vehicle is an expensive investment that could provide you with many years of faithful service. However, this will require providing your auto with proper preventive care and maintenance. Thankfully, most preventive maintenance is affordable and easy, and will help keep those expensive auto repair Crystal Lake IL bills at bay.
Change the Oil
The oil is essentially the blood of your vehicle that lubricates your engine. Leaving the oil unchanged will result in the possible destruction of your engine. And without a working engine, you vehicle won’t run. Most experts recommend changing the oil every 5,000 miles. Since every make and model is different, however, you should consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine the manufacturer’s recommended oil change schedule.
Brake Pad Replacement
Do we really have to tell you why the brakes on your vehicle need replaced? Neglecting your brake pads can end up costing you even more in rotor replacement, which is the least of your worries since you may not be able to stop your car if the brakes fail. Most people wait until there is a squeak or grinding noise when breaking before getting them checked out. However, it’s always best to have the breaks checked every so often by a professional.
Don’t forget the Air Filter
If the oil is the blood of your car then the air filter is its lungs. A dirty and clogged air filter will reduce your vehicle’s performance and reduce its efficiency. The good news is that air filters are relatively inexpensive and, in most vehicles, easy to replace. Most experts recommend replacing the air filter annually or every 30,000 miles.
Keep your Vehicle Cool
With coolant that is. Coolant and antifreeze keep your vehicle’s engine from freezing and overheating. Without it, the engine will start to overheat, which kills the gaskets and seals, resulting in leaks. The end result will be a dead car and an extremely expensive repair bill. And since antifreeze and coolant is extremely inexpensive, there is really no reason why your vehicle should go without it.
Keep your Vehicle Clean
This means for both the inside and outside of your auto. A clean vehicle may not matter much for how well your car functions, but it can result in a higher resale value. Furthermore, tree sap, road dirt, and even bird poop can all damage your vehicle’s paint. Regularly washing the exterior of your car will keep the paint from becoming damaged.