Your car has many parts in it. And when it comes to maintenance, things can get quite confusing if you don’t know which components of your car are essential.

Even if you are that type of car owner who prefers to leave everything to professional mechanics, you still need to learn about the basics, or people will take advantage of you. Besides, most of the maintenance tasks listed in this article can be done without any professional help. You will be just maintaining your car’s parts, not replacing or repairing them. Once you are well-versed in basic auto maintenance, you will be surprised by how much money you can save and how comfortable your car can be!

Light-Clean Your Engine

Today’s auto engines are marketed as sturdy enough to withstand oil sludge and debris. But that claim is only true for a while. If you don’t clean your car’s engine regularly, it will be at risk of damaged seals, corrosion, and even fire. The grease on your engine parts is flammable, you know? 

Therefore, open your car’s hood once a week to see if the engine needs a light wash. Another advantage of doing this task routinely is that you can find out about any leaks before they turn into major problems. 

Check the Engine’s Oil

The requirement for drivers to never let the engine runs out of oil may look like a trivial task. But in reality, many people still seem to take it for granted and end up paying for $3000 for the repair! Hence, take notes of your engine mileage the last time you change the oil. 

Moreover, you may need to consider the types of engine oil you use as well. Some oils have an anti-leak feature that improves the strength of seals in the engine. And some others are low in viscosity, making the oil flow easily during winter. 

Clean and Examine the Brakes

Your car’s braking system is vital to your car’s safety. If you don’t clean the brakes regularly, dirt can cause more friction on the pads, causing them to wear out faster than they are supposed to be. And if you often drive around sandy terrains, you have to realize that you will need replacement pads more frequently than if you live somewhere else. 

You can check your braking system visually by looking for any signs of wear on the pads. But you should pay attention to any screeching or grinding sounds because they are also indications that you need to bring your car to a professional mechanic.

Check the Tires

To check the tires, you simply need to see if the grooves there are still intact or not. The treading is not supposed to be below 4/32 of an inch. If it surpasses that measure, you need to get new tires. Also, check for any bumps and deformation as they can form even on new tires. Usually, forceful impacts on uneven road surfaces or holes are the cause. 

See If the Battery Is Healthy Enough

Never underestimate engine stutters when you try to start the car because they are often a sign of a dying battery. If you insist on driving it, sure you will get to drive several miles without problems. But after that, you will have to tow your car. Therefore, always make sure that your car’s battery is healthy enough and is free from any malfunctions. …