Your vehicle is your pride and joy; you love your car or truck and want to ensure it lasts as long as possible, while also avoiding costly repairs. We got your back. Remember the most important thing is to regularly get your car serviced and maintained. If you are mechanically inclined and passionate about your ride, you may want to learn to service your own vehicle. You may even want to pursue a rewarding career as an auto technician. But first, here are four simple tips to keep your car or truck on the road for years to come.
1. Don’t ignore issues or warning lights
If your vehicle isn’t running at peak performance, or issues are popping up (the brakes seem soft, there’s a weird noise, the starter takes a few tries), it can be tempting to ignore those problems. Don’t. They are likely to only get worse, and what might have been an inexpensive and easy fix early on may end up causing major damage. Also – don’t ignore that Check Engine light. It may be indicating something minor, but it could also be on for several serious problems that could make driving dangerous. Get it checked ASAP.
2. Change or top off fluids regularly
Changing your oil on time may be the biggest thing you can do to keep your car running and your engine happy. Mechanics used to recommend an oil change every 3,000 miles, but if you have a newer, more efficient car or truck, that number has increased to between 5,000 and 7,500 miles. If you don’t change your oil on time, your engine could overheat, and engine components could wear out faster. In addition to oil, keep on top of your other fluids – coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid, even windshield wiper fluid. This will help keep your car running better and last longer.
3. Keep it clean and rust-free
Keeping your vehicle clean and shiny is not just a matter of pride – it can actually extend the life of your car or truck.
Thoroughly wash and wax your vehicle at least once a month – more often if you live in an area where your vehicle is exposed to salt (either in the air or road salt during the winter). Rust can reduce the life of your vehicle, so be vigilant about taking care of dents, dings, or scratches in the paint where rust can take hold.
4. Check your tires
Your tires are another important part of your vehicle that needs to be checked regularly. Monitor your tire pressure consistently, get your tires rotated every 6 months or so to ensure even wear, and replace them at least every 6 years or within the mileage limit suggested by the manufacturer.
If you’re passionate about your vehicle and love learning about auto repair and maintenance, consider turning that passion into a career! J-Tech Institute offers hands-on training in their Automotive Technology Program to prepare you for a rewarding and exciting career doing what you love. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a consultation with our admissions department.