Maintaining the life of your automobile is important, and at times can be quite costly. Staying on top of routine maintenance isn’t always easy, as life enjoys throwing difficulties and unforeseen events your way. These simple repairs are preventative measures that can help you avoid costly repairs down the road–And as the pandemic taught us, life can be unpredictable!
1. Change Your Oil
If you’ve just run a marathon, your first instinct is to grab a bottle of water to replenish yourself. Your car’s oil works along the same lines.
Oil keeps your engine lubricated and running smoothly. It’s also an essential factor in preventing your engine from overheating and breaking down. Changing it every 5,000 miles can help prevent serious wear and damage to your engine.
2. Replace Your Brake Pads from Time to Time
Just like your engine, your car’s brakes generate a considerable amount of heat. Brakes work through friction, and your brake pads bear the brunt of this.
Over time, your pads will begin to wear thin and need replacing. Keeping good pads on your brakes will allow them to function without causing substantial damage. Have them checked the next time you get your oil changed, and make sure your brake fluid isn’t dark. This will keep you from getting expensive brake work done.
3. Keep an Eye on the Coolant
When it gets too cold outside, you crank your thermostat. When it gets too hot, you turn on your air conditioner to cool off. The coolant in your car makes sure that both keep working properly. Coolant also helps your engine’s temperature remain consistent, and is essential for the proper function of both your radiator and water pump. It’s a good idea to check it twice a year before the hot and cold seasons begin.
4. Belts, Hoses, and Why You Need Both
You can’t water your garden if your hose has a hole. This applies to your car just as much as your flowers. A car is a complex array of mechanisms working together in unison to function. Connecting many of the essential parts together is a system of belts and hoses. Keeping an eye on them and making sure they’re not broken or worn can keep your car running smoothly.
5. Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself
Depending upon what state you live in, your car needs to have a yearly inspection and emissions test. This is mandatory to make sure your car is eligible to stay on the road. By staying on top of this, you can also get early warning signs if your car might have a potential issue in the early stages. Prevention is the difference between a small repair bill and a large one.
For all your car repair needs, Dave’s Auto Repair in Sarasota is dedicated to providing top-quality service to you and your automobile. We’re located at 4547 Bee Ridge Road in Sarasota. For a list of what we have to offer, visit our website or give us a call at 941-371-5981.