9 common car maintenance mistakes to avoid
Car maintenance is an ongoing process. Any vehicle you buy, irrespective of the make, model, or brand, requires regular servicing, repairs, and upgrades to run smoothly. From the engine’s internal components to the external paint, there are hundreds of different tasks to be done periodically. Your vehicle warranty will cover a good part of the maintenance. However, first-time car owners unknowingly make these common mistakes that you should avoid at all costs.
Ignoring safety lights
There are several warning lights that flash on the dashboard to indicate engine failure, battery problems, and even electrical malfunctions. The manufacturer has installed these safety systems to prevent components from failing and causing an accident. So, when the check engine, oil, or battery light blinks once you turn over the ignition, take the vehicle straight to the repair shop or your car brand’s maintenance workshop. It may not necessarily be a major fix, but a repair that will prevent the car from breaking down completely. Routine checks and repairs might even be covered under your warranty if the vehicle is still practically new.
Ignoring tire pressure
Multiple factors lower tire air pressure and increase the risk of a blowout or rim damage while driving at high speeds. For example, freezing weather causes tires to lose up to 2 lbs. of air pressure for every ten degrees drop in outdoor temperature. Losing air pressure makes controlling the vehicle at high speeds extremely difficult. Also, flatter tires force the vehicle to guzzle down more fuel as the engine generates more torque to compensate for the tire instability. Modern-day vehicles come with dedicated air pressure sensors and tire pressure monitoring systems that indicate that it is time for a refill.
Failing to get a wheel alignment done
Wheel alignment is a critical maintenance task that should be done at least a couple of times if you drive your vehicle regularly.