People are never happy when their vehicle needs major auto repairs because most of the time, these repairs are expensive. However, we have noticed that a significant number of auto repairs can be avoided by doing three simple things:
- Follow the maintenance schedule as indicated in your owner’s manual for your vehicle
- Establish a relationship with a local mechanic you can trust.
- Practice good car care habits.
You probably didn’t blink over the first two. But what about the third? Here’s a list of poor car care habits we think are the most harmful to your car.
Are You Guilty of Any of the Following Poor Car Care Habits?
Car trouble can hit you anywhere. You can’t always avoid driving on poorly maintained roads nor can you predict unexpected trouble like a tire blowing out.
There are some things you just can’t control. However, what you can do is limit the number of car repairs and potential car trouble issues by avoiding these common car care mistakes —
Ignore the Need for Taking your Car for Routine Maintenance
The number one advice we give to all our clients and would like to give to all our readers here is to never fall back on regular servicing.
Top 3 reasons you should maintain a schedule of routine servicing:
- Professional servicing not only helps in addressing any current trouble areas, but it can also help in preventing issues from cropping up in the future.
- Regular maintenance can help you avoid potentially high repair costs because a mechanic will give your car a complete check during servicing.
- It can help slow down regular wear and tear since all the parts will be sufficiently lubricated, replaced, or fixed during servicing which means the efficiency levels are maintained and your car will continue to run longer.
Ignore Important Car Fluid Levels
Many fluids are required to keep your car running. Here’s what you need to know:
- When you ignore the level and quality of engine oil, brake fluid, transmission oil, coolants, power steering fluid, and lubricants, the damage can build up from small parts like the seals and rings to bigger parts such as the pistons and valves or even your power steering.
- Always check fluids based on what is mandated in your car manual.
- If you find the task difficult or are unable to find the time, a professional mechanic will be able to conduct the checks, clean the parts, and refill or top up the liquid levels.
Ignore Warning Lights on Your Dashboard
If your car dashboard warning lights come on, take it seriously!
- Your car manual will contain information on the lights and the corresponding issue they are meant to warn you about.
- If you can’t identify the trouble area(s), especially in the case of the “check engine” light, it is best to have a professional mechanic run some diagnostics to identify the underlying cause.
Bumps, Curbs, and Brakes
Are you in the habit of hitting bumps and potholes at high speeds? Do you drive on roads or weather conditions that are risky such as icy or water-logged roads? Do you accelerate and brake continuously while driving?
- If you answered yes to any or all three, then you can be sure that some part(s) of your car are facing extreme pressure and stress and that eventually something is going to break down.
- Hitting bumps, curbs, and potholes at high speeds can ruin your suspension, or impact your tires, steering, and wheel alignment.
- Driving on icy or water-logged roads can lead to water damage especially when water enters the engine or damages electrical sensors.
Battery Care
Without the battery, your car is just dead weight. Keep the following in mind:
- If you have crossed the three-year mark, it is best to have your car battery routinely checked up.
- Routine checkups can help identify potential battery issues in the present, so you can prevent future battery problems.
A Safe Future
While the condition of the roads or the weather that you drive in impacts the general condition of your car, much of the damage caused by these factors can be avoided or limited to a large extent if you are diligent about taking care of your car.
Remember, regular maintenance, safe driving habits, and timely repairs can not only help extend the longevity of your car, but they can go a long way in keeping you and your family safe while driving.
Meridian Automotive – Professional Car Repair Service You Can Trust!
If you are looking for expert auto service mechanics for regular maintenance of your car or even if you are facing any kind of car trouble, Meridian Automotive can help. You can reach us at (208) 297-5573 or schedule an online appointment today!
