Basic Car Maintenance to Avoid a Malfunctioning Vehicle

#AskStevenWilder

A malfunctioning vehicle can be more than just an inconvenience when you’re on the road. It can actually put you at risk of being involved in a significant accident if you’re not careful. Doing all of your proper maintenance on your vehicle at all times can decrease the chances that you will be involved in a dangerous accident that could injure or kill other individuals. You should always have your car’s oil changed regularly in order to minimize the chances that you will have a breakdown on the roads.

A number of problems can occur if you do not get your oil changed regularly. Some of the most significant problems associated with malfunctioning vehicles have to do with a blown-out engine. Research indicates that problems associated with a blown-out engine can cost more than $23,000. However, you can decrease these costs by as much as 50% by engaging in preventive maintenance. Some of the most important steps you need to take in order to prevent problems on the road include the following.

Checking Your Tires

Damaged treads, bald spots and cracks are significant warning signs that you could be at risk of a major blowout. Underinflated tires are also at risk for anyone on the road as well as overinflated tires. Make sure that you understand that seasonal temperature changes can have an impact on your vehicle’s tires and that truck tires alone can lose approximately 1 psi of pressure every single month. Keeping on top of this and ensuring that your tires are properly inflated at all times can be extremely beneficial.

Ensure That Your Brakes Are Always in Top Condition

Some of the most significant problems associated with your brake system include:

• Leakage of air pressure
• Oil passing from the compressor
• Contamination in the control and air supply system
• Timing imbalance or brake system pressure imbalance
• Reduced foundation brake performance

Make sure that you monitor your brakes and report any suspected problems to your mechanic sooner than possible. If your mechanic suggests that your brakes could use an upgrade, make sure you schedule this to happen as soon as possible. Otherwise you could find yourself in the midst of an emergency situation.

Keep an Eye on Your Electrical System

Wires, cables, and the battery are all things that could cause you to have a breakdown on the road and can even harm other components, increasing your chances of expensive repairs. These can easily be overlooked as many people assume these issues are “less serious”, but they can still cause your car to break down or even prompt an accident.

Engine Coolant & Oil

There is no more significant threat to your engine than improperly maintaining the coolant and oil systems. Ensure that your maintenance records for your vehicle indicate how often you need to get this serviced and checked.     

Keeping an eye on your vehicle maintenance is about more than extending the life of your car’s parts- it can also be about preventing deadly accidents.