Checking Under the Car
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Much as the car’s exterior and interior needs regular checking, the parts that are found under your car also needs religious check up. The excellent appearance of both the interior and the exterior are useless if the under parts are not in good condition. So make sure everything is checked when doing maintenance.
Generally speaking, under the car are not much things to maintain. However, maintaining those under car parts will add comfort while driving and will add to a better performance of your car.
Among under car part, the most important are the tires. They are the ones that keep your car on the road. Paying much attention to them will prevent severe tire problem that might eventually lead to car break down. The quality and the cost are two things that a car owner usually considers when choosing the right tires. But above all, quality counts a lot. To the most out of your tires, the best thing to do is to have them rotated and balanced on a regular basis. This is usually done every 7,500 miles. By doing this, you are assured that they will last long.
Take note that a properly balanced tire minimizes the stress and strain on shocks, struts, and steering parts in general. This makes balancing very essential in car maintenance. And to extend the life of your tires and maintain fuel economy, keep the tire pressures set to specification.
The brakes are the second most important under car part. By having them serviced at the intervals of 15,000 miles, you will be assured of their top performance. Moreover, cleaning the brake pads and rotors or discs will ensure that they are quiet, wear evenly and working properly, which paves way for a cozy driving.
Another example of an auto part that requires regular check up is the battery. Always make sure that the battery fluid is leveled up to the full line and that the terminals are clean and snow free. The top of the battery also needs to be clean in order to prevent leakage of the current between the terminals. Every 7,500 miles, this checking should be done.
The differential fluids must also be in the list of priorities. By doing so, it can contribute to your car’s longer life. Change the transfer case fluid as well if your car is four or all wheel drive.
The exhaust, should of course never be taken for granted. Make sure they are always clean and rust free. Check your owner’s manual if your car can use alternative exhaust brands like a Cat Back exhaust. Also keep in mind the service schedule to ensure regular maintenance.
The engine oil and filter must be replaced every 3,000 miles or 3 months. The battery is replaced every 7,500 miles or 6 months and the rotation and the balancing of tires must also be done at these intervals. The flushing and filling of transmission fluid as well as the replacement of the transmission filter are done every 15,000 miles or 1 year. Also done at these intervals are the replacements of air and fluid filters, PCV and breather element and the servicing of brakes.
The flushing of coolant and brake fluid, the replacement of coolant and carbon canister filter, and the refilling of brake fluid are done every 30,000 miles or 2 years. At these intervals the distributor cap, rotor and wires, spark plugs and differential/transfer case fluid are also replaced.
Having the know-how in under car maintenance is a must for all drivers. This gives you less cost in repairs and does not only ensure excellent driving performance and comfort. Most important is that your safety is assured when all your car parts are functioning well.
Be it inside, outside of under your car, make sure every single detail is in good condition to assure gains in your precious investment – your car.
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.