This article will provide an introduction to a few common causes of an overheating engine. We’ll start with low oil levels before taking a look at leaking head gaskets, coolant leaks, and failing water pumps.

Low Oil Levels

Motor oil is essential to the life of your engine. It provides lubrication for the moving parts and helps to transfer heat away from the cylinders. If there is an insufficient level of oil in the assembly, the moving parts will create excess friction as they rub against each other. That friction would not only cause damage to the moving parts, but would also generate intense heat. The temperature would continue to rise, placing all of the components at risk of further damage. This is the reason it is important to check your oil level every two weeks.

A Leaking Head Gasket

The head gasket sits between the engine block and the cylinder head. Normally, it maintains a strong seal that prevents coolant from leaking into the individual cylinders. If the engine runs too hot, the block and cylinder head may experience thermal expansion. As they expand, they can crush the head gasket and thereby, break the seal.

If the head gasket allows coolant into the cylinders, the entire assembly can overheat. If the root cause of the leaking gasket is not identified and fixed, replacing the gasket may only represent a short-term solution; it will likely leak again.

Coolant Leaks

Coolant plays an important role in regulating the heat around your engine. It carries heat from the assembly to the radiator. The problem is, there are several points along the way that can form leaks, including the hoses, head gasket, water pump, and the radiator itself.

The best way to find leaks throughout the cooling system is to pressure test everything. If your car’s cooling system is working properly, it should be able to maintain approximately 12 psi for a quarter of an hour without losing any pressure. If you notice a loss in pressure, check the head gasket and cylinder block. Both are common points of coolant leakages.

Faulty Water Pump

Your car’s water pump is responsible for pressurizing the coolant and sending it to the engine and throughout the cooling system. If the component fails, it will prevent sufficient coolant from circulating properly. That can cause the assembly to overheat.

One of the most common reasons a water pump fails is because the impeller vanes become eroded or loose. This happens often with impellers that are made of plastic. Both events can prevent the impellers from turning, which hampers coolant circulation.

Failing Thermostat

Normally, the thermostat opens whenever your engine reaches a certain temperature. By opening, it allows coolant to circulate from the radiator to the assembly. If the thermostat fails to open, the coolant will be unable to flow to the engine and thus, lower its operating temperature. Overheating is a likely outcome.

Heat is not, in itself, bad for your car’s engine. In fact, the higher its operating temperature, the more efficiently it runs. However, there is a ceiling past which the pistons and cylinder heads start to melt. Plus, if the assembly lacks enough oil to lubricate the moving parts, friction can generate high temperatures and potentially cause overheating.

If you notice the temperature gauge on your dash climbing higher than normal, take your vehicle to a mechanic. There’s a good chance the problem is with the head gasket, cooling system, water pump, or thermostat.

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1. Oil change

Having your oil check or change is one of the simplest tasks to be done. You can check the dipstick your self to see if your car needs an oil change or if the oil is below level and if there is any change to the texture or color. It is also better to change oil filter to a cycle of 2 oil changes.

2. Transmission fluid

You are basically doing the same routine except the dipstick would be labeled transmission. When looking at your dipstick make sure there is no chunk or flakes containing metal, if you find any, bring your car to the mechanic.

3. Your Battery

You can do a manual check of your battery by checking the terminals. If you find any rust or corrosion a simple task can be done about it. Make sure first the car is turned off and the battery is disconnected. Take a steal brush and can of coke, pour the coke over the terminals and let it build up. Afterwards start scrubbing, the corrosion should come off. And in turn increase the voltage flow. Battery water level should not be below the lower mark levels.

4. Air filters

Check your air filters, see if they are mostly white or brownish and black. If white then you don’t need to change them if the other then times to get a new one.

5. Radiator

Check your radiator to see if it needs any water, do this before hand of using your car. If you live in colder climates then an anti freeze/water mixer is needed. But, if you live in hot areas then a regular addition of coolant in a plastic bottle named coolant beside the radiator, will protect for over heating.

6. The lights

Make sure all your lights are in working order. Check every one from the back, front, tail lights brake lights turn signal lights and so on. This should be done frequently, because a slight stop of current or overflow of current might cause damage to bulbs.

7. Tires

Check your tires for air and pressure. If your tires seem on the low side, your local gas station should have air pumps to inflate low-pressure tires. Be sure to remove any unwanted sharpnels attached or sticked to your tires.

With these simple yet easy tasks done, you’re sure to save money on maintenance and inspection. Performing routine checks on your car will also save you money by taking care of the problem before it becomes bigger and having you spend more then you should.

It is never a bad idea to ask for a free advice from the top dealers of used cars, Nexuss International.

With these tips, you will surely find your self on the right track to a faultless and safe vehicle. Enjoy you car drive.

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REGULAR MAINTENANCE IS KEY: 

The car manual will outline the different things you need to do to keep your car running smoothly. It will also tell you how often you should perform those tasks and with what type of fluid. The most common maintenance tasks are: 

- Checking the oil level at least 4 times a year.  

- Checking the brake fluid level regularly, especially if you notice a difference in the brake pedal.  

- Checking the automatic transmission fluid once a month  

- Having the engine cleaned every one to two years  

- Refilling the antifreeze/coolant fluid regularly  

- Refilling the windshield washer fluid regularly  

- Checking your tires regularly 

KEEP IT TIDY: 

- Keep a small plastic bag in the car for trash and dispose of it every week. If you don’t let trash accumulate in your car, it will be easier to keep the interior clean. 

- Use a UV resistant car cleaner to wipe down the dashboard, the steering wheel, the inside door panels and any other hard surfaces. This should be done weekly; it will keep these areas clean and it will provide UV protection in the sunlight. 

- Clean up any spills as soon as possible to prevent mold and bad smells. 

- Avoid eating or smoking in your new car but if you must, be attentive to bits of food that drop to the floor or cigarette flints that fly off within the car. 

GIVE YOURSELF SPACE: 

- Avoid parking in tight spots. Even if you don’t tap the other car’s bumper as your parking, there’s a good chance other drivers will bump into your car while trying to get out of a tight space. 

- In a parking lot, choose a space that has empty spaces on each side. This will lessen the possibility of your car brushing other cars as you enter the parking spot. 

- Park in well lit or common areas. Leaving your car in a dark alley will increase the chance of a break in and of your car being stripped; it can also put you in a dangerous situation when you get to your car. 

LISTEN TO YOUR DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS: 

If a dashboard light stays on, refer to your car manual to diagnose the problem. Most car manuals have an illustrated page at the end that shows dashboard symbols and their possible meanings. Whatever you do, don’t ignore the light because even if the car is functioning normally, it’s just a matter of time before it will fail in some way or brake down. Most problems, such as a low oil level, can be fixed quite easily if they’re addressed as soon as the dashboard warning light goes on.

CHECK YOUR TIRES: 

Checking your tires regularly will make driving both safer and more fuel efficient. 

- You can check the tire pressure with an inexpensive tire pressure gauge. Remove the valve cap on the tire and place the tire gauge onto the valve; watch the tire gauge for a reading. Your car manual or a label on the inside of the driver’s door will tell you how much tire pressure you should have; add air to match that number. 

- Have your wheels aligned and balanced every year or when you buy new tires. You can check the tread wear by comparing the inner tread of the tire to the level of the tread markers; if it’s lower than the tread markers, the tires need to be replaced. You can also check the tread wear using the penny test: put a penny with Abraham Lincoln upside down into a tire groove and if the tire tread is lower than the top of Lincoln’s head, the tires need to be replaced. 

FIX DENTS AND CRACKS AS THEY HAPPEN: 

A small crack in your windshield doesn’t have to mean a full windshield replacement if you have it repaired as soon as you notice it. If you let it go, the crack will expand and it will then become a safety hazard if it affects your view. Similarly, a scrape or a dent on the body of the car can easily morph into a rusty spot. It’s best to have the car fixed professionally but you can use fill in pens on smaller areas. 

Buying a new car makes it easier to keep your car in top condition but these tips apply to all cars. Many drivers focus only on their insurance coverage and on driving safely, and they neglect the car itself. If you take the time to check your car for things like leaks and low fluid levels, you can prevent unnecessary damage and costly repair bills; you can also keep your car in excellent condition for many years.

Have a fun and safe time on the road, and visit us to find the best deal on the insurance coverage you need. Get money-saving tips, affordable auto insurance rates and helpful advice about automotive coverage from Auto Insurance Rates Direct today.

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Some people make the mistake of thinking that putting water in their radiator is enough. It really never is. The coolant inside your radiator rises to the boiling point when your engine heats up and the car is in motion. The job it does is to take the heat away from the engine so that it doesn’t become overheated and breakdown. If you run out of coolant or it gets too low, the engine may not be properly cooled and then it gets too hot. This could lead to an engine that steams or smokes and leaves you on the side of the road.

The radiator is pretty easy to pinpoint under the hood of your car. It is usually white but you can see the level of the fluid through it. It should also be clearly labeled as the radiator. There are lines down the side of it that indicate the levels of the coolant and where it should be when full. It’s best to check the coolant level when the car is cold and has not been running recently. If you check when it’s hot then the levels may not be accurate.

If the coolant levels are just as they should be then you don’t have to do anything further. Just leave it and make sure to check it again another time. However, if you need to add more coolant you can choose between pre-mixed and the type that you have to mix with water yourself. It tends to be much more convenient to buy the type that is already mixed. Then you just have to pour it in up to the line that indicates it is full. Take care not to over fill it on accident.

You must know and remember that it is easy to spill even a few drops of antifreeze. It is a very sweet tasting fluid that many animals find to be pleasant tasting. Sadly, it can kill them if they lick it so make sure to prevent spills or clean up any that do occur. Make sure that you check over your radiator for any leaks or cracks. They could be very small and end up leaking fluid out on the road. Take care of small leaks right away before they can grow into something that is much bigger. Maintaining your coolant levels and your radiator is vital for getting around safely in your vehicle. Make it part of your general automotive maintenance.

Enjoy your car and find the best deal on the insurance coverage you need. Visit us for money-saving tips, no-obligation auto insurance comparisons and advice for finding affordable insurance rates at Auto Insurance Rates Direct.

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The remaining stagnant stays in engine area. Even though, engine of all autos require heat to function at the optimum level, too much of energy, and heat destroys the inner mechanics of car engine. If the intensity of heat is high, it melts pistons as well as cylinders present within the engine. Moreover, if it happens, then you cannot drive your auto anymore. So, in such radiators for autos come into rescue.

How Does It Really Help?

Radiators are made from aluminum. These radiators contain an array of long tubes that go through engine of the auto. The tubes contain liquid coolant, which provides relief to the internal parts of auto during the engine heating session. Later, water pump present in the engine helps the cooling fluid circulate throughout the engine. Thus, the job of radiator is to ease the progress of heat within the engine exchanger.

Radiator is a significant part of the cooling system of your auto and its basic function is to keep the auto temperature at normal level, so that the car may deliver its maximum potential. In different words, engine needs to be hot enough to deliver speed, but not too hot.

Radiator also helps the fuel to convert in vapor easily and quickly. When fuel is converted into water vapor in the combustion chamber, the process of combustion becomes more efficient. In addition, the auto releases less amount of carbon monoxide in the atmosphere.

Moreover, with the help of radiator if engine runs at perfect temperature, then it means oil lubricates the engine consistently and helps the parts of automobile to run smoothly, thereby ensuring longer lifespan of the vehicle.

Radiator does not show any problems, but if your thermostat breaks down due to overheating, then radiator may start developing troubles. It may seriously impair the performance of your vehicle. In addition, the emission levels will be too high. Thus, you need to install high quality thermostats, as well as radiator in your automobile.

Taking Care:

Radiators used in autos are costly and you cannot afford to replace them too often. Therefore, while buying a car, you need to check for the presence of any pores in its radiator. If the radiator has pores, then coolants will leak in the engine. As a result, your car may break down any moment after heating up.

Next, dust particles can clog the radiator severely, so clean it routinely. If you have an expensive car and think that you do not have to look after the radiator maintenance, you are wrong, because the basic mechanism of car remains the same. Hence, you need to need to keep the tool (radiator) in working order, for the longevity of your autos.

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Some of the most important checks are relatively simple, and can be carried out before each journey. So, before setting off it is recommended to check your windows are clean and mirrors correctly adjusted. If you have a passenger, you could also get them to check all of your lights are functioning at this point, especially if all or part of the journey is likely to be in the dark. Finally, once the engine has started make sure none of the warning lights have remained illuminated on the dash board. These will remain illuminated if the cars onboard CPU has identified a fault in any of the electrical circuits. The CPU controls all major aspects in your car, so any fault is likely to be serious.

Secondly, there are a number of important checks which should you should aim to carry out once over every other week or so. For example, if you notice your windscreen wipers are beginning to smear then have a look at them and get them replaced if they looked dry or cracked, or give them a wipe with a soft cloth and some vinegar if they are just a bit dirty. Also, tyres should be kept inflated at the correct pressure, and tread depth kept above 1.5mm. This can be checked using the markers found within each tread around the tyres circumference. Finally, open the bonnet and check the fluid levels – Brake Fluid, Screenwash, Engine Oil, Coolant and Power Steering. These are easy to check in modern cars, the engine oil can be checked with the dip stick, and everything else requires only a quick look at each fluid container above the engine to ensure the fluid inside is between the ‘Min/Max’ markers.

Good Car insurance is a blessing in the event of a serious fault. You can compare car insurance to find the best cover, and conduct a car insurance comparison to get the best price.

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Well, you better watch out!

Some of the most common mistakes car owners make at this point are to skip fluid checks and also the service their engines between longer periods of time.

You must always check at least the fluid levels on your car. If you don’t, you may miss a minor defect, for example, a coolant leakage.

If you don’t detect that leakage, then you will eventually run out of coolant in your vehicle, his leading to major damages to the engine and eventually diminishing your vehicle overall performance.

Protect your vehicle investment by checking your engine regularly.

In order to keep the engine in good condition this is what you must take into account:

- Engine lubrication: This can be achieved with oil servicing on time.

- Overheating prevention: Done with periodical coolant and radiator check ups

- Proper and properly scheduled engine maintenance and tune up

- Immediately eliminate any minor engine defects

——————————

Checking the Engine Condition.

——————————

Do you hear any noise when the engine is running?.

The engine should run evenly and you should not hear any strong noises, knocking, pinging, or whistling while the engine is idling or during acceleration.

When pressing the accelerator, the engine should accelerate quickly, with no delays or loud noises.

The idle should be stable during a stop. No smoke should come out from the tail pipe.

A good engine should be dry. The more leaks on an engine, the more damage your engine may have.

During routine engine maintenance and tune ups, cleanings, adjustments, and necessary replacements, check for the following:

- Fuel Filter: related to the loss of engine power when dirty.

- Air Filter: related to the loss of engine power, increased fuel consumption, and so on

- Spark Plugs: must be replaced to increase engine performance.

- Timing Belt, when it is damaged it can induce serious problems for the engine

- Coolant: must be replace to maintain the anti-corrosive properties.

———————–

Check the Oil Pressure.

———————–

Always check the oil pressure on a cold engine. Start the engine, and look at the low oil pressure warning lamp or oil pressure gauge on the instrument panel.

The time between the engine start and the time you note oil pressure at the instrument panel should be no more than one to two seconds. If this time is longer than two seconds, it means that either the oil filter is bad or the engine is too worn.

If the low oil pressure warning light goes on while engine is running or idle, there is definitely a problem with the engine. Stop your vehicle immediately if the oil pressure warning lamp goes on while driving to avoid further damage to the engine.

—————————————–

Check the Engine Oil Level and Condition.

—————————————–

 

This is very critical. Without oil a running engine will damage in a matter of seconds.

If the engine is leaking oil, try new gaskets or seals to fix the leak.

If the engine is burning oil, the valve guides and seals are most likely worn out, but the rings and cylinders could require replacement, too.

Check the engine oil on the dipstick periodically, especially if your car isn’t brand new.

Change to oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles. Immediately after performing an oil and filter change, check for oil leaks to be sure that the oil filter has been installed properly.

During oil level check up the oil should normally reach the “FULL” mark on the dipstick.

Do not add oil unless level is below the “ADD” or the “LOW” marks on the dipstick.

Never add oil to reach above the “FULL” mark, to avoid damaging of the spark plugs.

When you regularly check your oil, you will become familiar with the rate of oil consumption of your car and you’ll know when the consumption is rapidly increasing.

Also check for the oil condition. Here’s how:

The oil should look clean and translucent. If the oil is slightly-brown, it can be fine too.

However, if it’s dark-brown, but still transparent, although still admissible, it would be better to change it. If it’s too black, it’s time to change it.

If the engine oil on the dipstick is color “latté” or if it is foamy, then the engine coolant is mixing with the engine oil, i.e. an evidence of an internal engine defect (such as a blown head gasket or cracked block).

Also, the oil should never have a gasoline smell. It means there is some fuel leaking and this can be dangerous.

———————————-

Check the Coolant Level and Leaks.

———————————-

Check the coolant (antifreeze) level and investigate the system for leaks periodically.

NEVER open the radiator of a car that has just been running. Wait at least 15-20 minutes after the engine has been turned off for the engine temperature to drop before adding any fluid into the system. The cooling system of a car is under high pressure and the fluid is usually hotter than boiling water. 

Begin your check of the cooling system by viewing the front side of the radiator and the space between the engine radiator and air conditioner radiator; it should not be clogged with debris, such as leaves or heavy pollen. One of the most common reasons for overheating is debris buildup in this area.

Be sure that electric fan operates, and water pump drive belt has proper tension. The water pump should not have coolant seepage.

Check the radiator for any trace of damage and all water hoses for leaks. If you find any coolant leak, try to stop it up as soon as possible to avoid engine overheating and have a mechanic inspect the damaged area immediately.

Next, look for the cooling system expansion tank; it is usually translucent white so you can see the fluid level without opening it.

The expansion tank has two level marks on the side of it: “FULL” and “LOW”. Check the coolant level in the expansion tank. The coolant level should be between “LOW” and “FULL” marks in the coolant expansion tank. If it’s lower, you should add it, because a low coolant level may cause the engine to overheat and therefore result in engine damage.

When engine temperature is reduced (in 15-20 minutes after the engine has been turned off) , simply add a coolant into the expansion tank till its level be at “FULL” mark.

If the level frequently falls below “LOW” after adding fluid, you probably have a leak and must have it checked as soon as possible. If there is no coolant in the expansion tank at all, you should add the coolant directly into the radiator.

If the coolant color brown or rust-colored, the car may need a radiator flush. The coolant should not have any engine oil in it. If you see oil in the radiator or expansion tank, it may be evidence of an internal engine defect, such as a blown head gasket.

Antifreeze is toxic, so be sure to capture and recycle the drained fluid. Keep it off your skin and away from your eyes. It can also damage painted surfaces, so avoid spilling it on your car.

————————————–

Automatic Transmission Fluid Check up.

————————————–

Automatic transmission is a very complicated device and its repair is costly. Most automatic transmissions must be checked with the engine running and warmed up. Also, make sure the car is on a level surface and fully warmed up.

If you not sure how to check the automatic transmission fluid, here is a s
tep-by-step explanation:

Begin by letting the engine idle with the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake.

Move the gear selector through each gear. This ensures that the fluid is circulating through the pumps, thereby providing you with an accurate reading.

Once you have done this, put the vehicle in park, but leave the brake engaged and the engine running.

The transmission dipstick is located near the rear of the engine. Pull the transmission dipstick out, wipe it clean with a rag, and note the markings on the end of the stick. The usual markings are “FULL” and “ADD 1 PINT”. Inset the dipstick fully and remove it again to take a reading.

If the engine is cool, it should be at the upper end of the “COLD” mark.

If the engine is hot, the level should be at the upper end of the “HOT” mark.

When the transmission is warm, the level should be in the safe zone between the hash marks. If it’s lower, you should add some amount of automatic transmission fluid.

Check the fluid condition also: If it’s too black and has a burnt smell – your transmission is going to break!

Normally it should be clean and transparent. Its color may be different, from red to brown. Wipe the dipstick with clean white paper and look at the paper. Normally there should be no black deposits, no metal particles, no dirt left on the paper.

How to add the transmission fluid:

Never add fluid unless it is below the “ADD” mark and never bring it above the “FULL” mark. Make sure you check the transmission fluid type in the owners manual and use the correct transmission fluid for your vehicle. Do not substitute anything else. For example some Chrysler transmissions need only Chrysler specific type of fluid and usual fluid like Dexron II can destroy the transmission.

Add a little amount of the fluid at a time. You will need a special funnel to get the fluid into the small tube that the dipstick came out of.

Wait for a couple of minutes for the fluid to flow down. Start the engine and check the level again before adding more fluids.

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Radiator maintenance is mostly about the fluids. Other problems with the cooling system can arise, for various different reasons, but for basic maintenance and upkeep properly maintaining the vital fluids in the radiator is what will keep your vehicle humming with life for years to come. Whether you utilize the services of your local shop to perform key maintenance and repair processes or do everything yourself, it is recommended that coolant is replaced every year or so. In addition to coolant replacement, it is also a good idea to flush and refill the radiator every 1 to 2 years to ensure the cooling system will run well, even if your mileage is low after this period of time. Following such a maintenance schedule is vital if you want your vehicle to be properly and consistently maintained.

Why Antifreeze is Key

Antifreeze/coolant is a big part of what keeps your engine in top working order. In addition to its cooling properties and ability to keep your engine running under extreme temperature variations, many companies also include other ingredients that help keep your engine working well. For instance, antifreeze can contain additives that prevent rust and corrosion of the radiator, engine and vehicle heater. If you neglect radiator maintenance the advantages of a good cooling system will not be fully utilized.

Basically, coolant is a 50/50 mix of glycol and water, depending on your vehicle. The glycol portion of the mixture is the antifreeze – it works to keep the water from turning to ice in cold temperatures and reaching the boiling point in extreme heat. With the coolant operating at the proper degree, the engine will continue running at a stable temperature in all climates and driving situations.

Ethylene glycol is used in antifreeze but it requires proper handling if you are planning on performing cooling system maintenance on your own – it is a toxic substance that can cause health problems or even death, and can be damaging to the environment. Following suggested protocol when handling antifreeze is a necessity. Keep it away from children and animals, and ensure proper disposal according to local hazardous waste regulations. A recent alternative to ethylene glycol is propylene glycol. Antifreeze that contains propylene glycol is less toxic than its predecessor, especially at low levels, but it still must be handled with caution. No matter what antifreeze you use, the fluid picks up heavy metals during usage, so disposal is something to be taken seriously. Follow the same procedure you would with any antifreeze product and you will avoid problems when performing maintenance on your vehicle at home. It is very important that you do not pour coolant down your sink or into storm drains due to its toxic properties.

Draining and Flushing

Over time, rust and sediment can build up in your vehicle’s cooling system making it necessary to drain out the coolant from time to time to clean out anything that may be clogging up the system. Many experts recommend this be done every few years, preferably every year. You can tell if the coolant in your radiator requires removal if it appears dirty or brown in color, and if you see little rust specks floating around. Coolant should appear a slightly thick, light yellowy-green color, almost like lemonade, or orange if your car uses long-lasting coolant.

If you are going to take on the job yourself, begin by parking the vehicle in a safe work area – away from kids, pets and storm drains. Raising the car on ramps is also a good idea if you are able to do so. Follow this checklist before getting started: turn the ignition off and wait until the engine is cool. This is very important – it’s dangerous to work with a hot engine. Set the car in Park and engage the emergency brakes.

Now you can get started. First step – remove the radiator cap. Place a 2-gallon or larger bucket underneath the radiator drain plug and remove the plug. This will catch the fluid. Once the fluid has finished draining, put the plug back in place. If you want to drain as much coolant out as possible, you can add another step to the procedure and drain any excess coolant in the engine. Simply take out the plug in the engine block if you can, to drain the coolant.

If you think your cooling system needs a more thorough cleaning to remove excess sediment and rust, flushing may be a good idea. You can achieve this by using a radiator-cleaning product fit for this type of job. This is a simple task. All you have to do is close up all the drain plugs and pour the product into the radiator along with some water. The instructions on the package should tell you exactly what to do – this usually entails running the heater on high for a specified amount of time. When the engine cools you can drain the radiator fluid out and refill with water, following the same steps as above. This will have fully flushed out the cooling system.

Refilling

Refilling the radiator is easy, especially if you consult your car’s user manual and the instructions on the antifreeze bottle. You will need to know the ratio of coolant to water before refilling, which can vary depending on the vehicle and weather conditions in your area. Fill the radiator according to the instructions and also fill the overflow reservoir with a 50/50 mix. Clean up any spills that may occur and then close the cap. Now you can run the engine to the normal running temperature – and make sure you set the heater on high to effectively circulate the coolant throughout the system. When the engine cools down again, double check for leaks.

If everything checks out ok, you’re done and can drive off knowing you have kept up with one of the most important aspects of your car’s maintenance.

This article was written by Katerina Mitrou sponsored by http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/. The Auto Parts Warehouse offers round-the-clock sales support as well as free shipping within the 48 states for orders over $50. Protect the exterior of your car with a Covercraft car cover made to withstand the elements. Reproductions of this article are encouraged but must include a link pointing back to http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/.

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It is true that cars are complicated machines. They need to be cared of to keep them ever reliable and safe.

Now the thing to keep in mind is how to maintain your car, thus making it happy. Remember that you should keep costs to a minimum and your car on the road.

Car problems must be given ample attention. Even the dirt inside the car needs attention, which means they must be removed. If your mats are worn, try Husky floor mats for a fresher interior look. If you can’t fix the damaged part yourself, take it to a repair shop.

Never loose your owner’s manual. Every single car detail is there. So if in case you are not familiar with a certain part, go browse the manual. It will surely help a lot. It is also important to service your car according to the manufacturer’s schedule.

Car lights need regular checking. So that you will not have to keep on getting out seeing if they are working, try them out in your garage or parked next to a wall.

At least one a month, check your tires as well as the spare. Keep them inflated according to the pressures listed in your handbook – no more no less – and replace them when the tread depth reaches 2mm even though the legal limit is 1.6mm.

Keep windscreen washer, oil, coolant, power steering, clutch and brake fluid levels topped up but do not overfull. By this way, you are assured of less car breakdown because these parts are well equipped. Do not wait for warning lights to come on.

In order to check levels of oil, park your car on a level ground. Just make sure that you do the checking when the engine is cold. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and then insert it again to get an accurate reading.

Worn wiper blades need immediate replacement. Smearing dirt across the windscreen instead of wiping it off can cause trouble.

Washer jets need to be adjusted with a pin to ensure that they spray on the windscreen and not in a huge arc over the top of the car.

Probably these things are enough to make your car happy. It is tantamount to saying that these things are enough to make your car last long.

Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.

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Check your oil at least once a month. You should also plan to change oil and buy a new filter every 3000 miles. Be sure to use the recommended oil for your engine. You can find this information in the owner’s manual. If however, you purchased a pre-owned car and there is no owner’s manual, check with the dealer.

If you live in the Snow Belt you may need to use a different grade of oil in the wintertime. And if you are in an extremely hot climate, you may also need to change the grade of your oil. Again, the owner’s manual will specify the proper grades to use.

When you do your monthly oil check, you also need to check the coolant and the transmission fluid.

It is important to maintain these fluids at their proper levels to protect your engine and transmission. And, just as with oil, you need to purchase the type fluid recommended by the manufacturer.

Don’t wait until your gas tank is practically empty before refueling. There are sediments at the bottom of your gas tank. If you let the gas levels become low, these sediments will mix in with the gasoline. Then your spark plugs and some engine parts may become clogged. This can entail expensive repairs later on.

Check your battery cables and terminals to ensure you have a good electrical connection. It is also a good idea to always have a set of jumper cables with you. You can usually always find someone to give you a “jump” if you have the cables.

If you have purchased a new car, the owner’s manual will advise inspections every so many miles. These are important to keep your warranty in effect.

You should also keep a record of all maintenance performed on your car. This record will help you when you get ready to sell or trade in your car. Prospective buyers are impressed by cars that have been well maintained and this adds to the value of your car.

It is also important to keep your car looking good. Appearance is a major factor when reselling or trading in a car. You need to be careful about parking under trees, particularly if birds are around. Bird droppings can cause paint damage so if a bird does choose your car for a deposit, clean it off immediately.

You need to wash your car often. Many gas stations offer free car washes with a fill-up so this isn’t difficult to do. It just takes some extra time.

It is recommended that you wax your car a couple of times a year. This protects the paint from corrosion and also keeps your car looking shiny.

If you notice odd noises or smells, you may have a problem so you need to have a mechanic check the car. Failure to follow up on these can result in breakdowns, accidents and definitely more expensive repairs at a later date. Even if your car appears to be running okay, you should have a professional mechanic check it out once a year.

A little time and money spent on periodic maintenance can help you avoid expensive repairs at a later date.

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