If you have a newly bought car or even a second-hand car, you can maximize its life and performance by having it undergo preventative maintenance regularly. Here at Treasure Valley Auto Care, we will be sharing information about car maintenance tips. If you want to know more information, we encourage you to continue reading below to find out.

Oil and Coolant Levels 

It’s important to regularly check the oil and coolant levels in your car. Aim to do this at least once a month, or before going on a long road trip. A car technician can check the levels for you by inspecting the oil and coolant levels under the hood while the engine is cool.

Low levels of oil and coolant can lead to serious engine problems if left unchecked, so it’s essential to keep an eye on them. Your car’s owner manual should have information on where to locate the oil sump and coolant reservoir.

Air Filter 

The air filter of the engine is what controls the airflow going into your engine. It keeps the debris and other particles from going inside the engine. The air filter must work properly so it will improve your car’s fuel efficiency, reduce its emissions, and prolong the life of the engine. You can rely on a reliable auto care shop to know how often the air filter needs to be changed. 

Tires and tread depth 

Tires are the only part of your car that make contact with the road, so it’s important to keep them in good condition for a safe and fuel-efficient ride. Regular inspections are crucial. Make sure to check the tire pressure at least once a month, before a long road trip, or when you’ll be carrying a heavy load. Don’t forget to check the spare tire as well.

A tire pressure gauge can help you accurately measure the pressure. In cold weather, the tire pressure may drop by one pound for every 10-degree drop in temperature. Consult your car’s owner manual to find the ideal air pressure for your tires. You should also check the tread depth regularly and replace your tires every 3 to 6 years or when the tread is worn due to frequent use. Depending on the season, you may want to switch to winter tires if you live in an area with extremely cold winters.

Lights 

It’s important to regularly check the functioning of your car’s lights, including the headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and parking lights. Make a habit of checking them once a month to ensure they are all working properly. Check both headlights, as well as the turn signals and parking lights. You may also want to have a car technician check the brake lights to ensure your safety while driving, especially at night.

Oil and Oil Filter 

The oil in your car’s engine plays a vital role. It acts as a lubricant for the moving parts, helps keep debris out of the engine, and can help cool the engine down. It also helps prevent wear and tear on the moving parts and can protect against engine corrosion. It’s important to check the motor oil regularly to ensure the health of your engine.

A car technician can help you change the oil and oil filter. Most cars require an oil change every 3,000 miles or every 3 to 6 months, although newer cars may only need an oil change every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. Check your car’s owner manual or consult with a car technician from Treasure Valley Auto Care to determine the recommended schedule for your car.

Switching and Rotating the Car Tires 

The car tires must be rotated to make the wear patterns equal. It usually varies between the front and back tires. The front tires carry the engine and the other heavier parts of the car, so you must rotate the tires to prolong their service life. This way, you can balance the tread wear, as well as decrease noise and vibration problems while driving. 

Waxing 

The car wax must be applied at least every six months after washing it to keep it shiny and protected from rust and protect the car paint. There are plenty of irritants that can damage your car paint like dust, salt, and sand. A lot of environmental factors such as rain, UV light, and ozone can also cause substantial damage to your car’s paint. Applying wax on the car can minimize the damage by providing a protective seal on the paint; this can effectively extend the car paint’s life. 

Transmission Fluid 

The transmission fluid acts as a lubricant for the moving parts inside the car’s transmission which helps it to function properly. If your car is an automatic, manual transmission, or CVT, you must ask a car technician to check the transmission fluid check and change it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This can prevent you from experiencing transmission problems which can lead to costly repairs or even replacement. 

Spark Plugs 

The spark plugs in the car engine are responsible for igniting the gas and air mixture that helps power the vehicle. If it is not functioning properly, the engine will lose power and will have problems, and may not run to its optimum capacity. A car technician can inspect and replace spark plugs that are no longer functioning properly so they won’t affect the car’s engine power. 

Car Battery 

The car’s battery is important for your vehicle to power on and run properly. If the battery is no longer working properly, you may experience electrical problems in the vehicle. Extremely high and low temperatures can affect the car’s battery performance. 

Coolant Levels 

The antifreeze levels in your car’s radiator must also be checked during winter months to prevent the radiator and engine from freezing. Antifreeze and water ratio must be kept at 50/50, but we highly recommend that you ask a car technician or you can check your car owner’s manual. 

Choose Treasure Valley Auto Care For All Of Your Car Maintenance Needs

If you need assistance with your car’s maintenance schedule in Garden City, Idaho, Treasure Valley Auto Care is here to help. We are a trustworthy auto repair shop located at 04 W 35th St in Garden City, ID 83714. Contact us at 208-385-0339 or send an email to quality@treasurevalleyautocare.com to schedule service or ask any questions you may have. We’ll do our best to ensure your car receives the proper maintenance and care it deserves. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need any help with your car – we’re always happy to assist!