Car Maintenance: A Must-Read Reminder To All Car Owners

Knowing how to drive is not the sole responsibility of any vehicle owner. Aside from knowing the traffic regulations, it is a must to have some knowledge of how to take care of the vehicle.

It is unfortunate that there are those who would just simply ride and drive without knowing if the vehicle he/she is using is in good condition. And most often, this causes accidents which not only affect the driver himself but for others as well.

You don’t need to be an expert, let the professionals do them for you. However, there are those that think that they can do “smart” things that would not affect the engine performance.

Car Maintenance Mistakes To Avoid

How much does a unit of car cost these days? For sure that is not anywhere near Php100,000.00 And with low down payment offers, a lot of people have been encouraged to purchase. Nothing wrong with that for as long as the new car owner knows how to take care of it so it could serve him for a long time.

The car is likely your most expensive possession (apart from a house in which not everyone may have the fortune to own), and it is important to take proper care of it. You want to make sure that you are always safe going to your destination and heading back home.

When we talk about car maintenance, some would immediately feel intimidates and it can really take a toll in your pocket to pay for the many things that need to be taken care of. However, this can be avoided if you know how to properly maintain your car. Here are some of the most common and costly car maintenance mistakes that you should avoid.

1.       Not Knowing The Basics

A driver cannot just rely on others to tell him/her that his/her car needs to be checked. It is his/her responsibility to always make sure that everything is performing at its best. To save yourself a lot of hassle while on the road, take some time to learn the basics and you will be amazed at how much you can save just by learning the basics.

2.       Neglecting Oil Changes

There is less need for oil changes for new cars. But while they may not require an oil change every 5,000 kilometers, these cars may still need regular oil changes. Check on your oil light and see if it is turned on. If it is, it means that it is time for you to have your engine oil changed. Neglecting to do so or leaving it longer will damage your engine. Switch to Idemitsu Fully Synthetic Motor Oil and experience extreme power and engine protection.

3.       Ignoring the Check Engine Light

Sometimes, your car’s Check Engine light turns on despite having no obvious signs of trouble. Most often, a driver would just neglect this especially if he doesn’t have time to have his vehicle checked. It is, however, possible that it could lead to a bigger and more expensive issue. Therefore, never ignore when check engine light illuminates and drives as soon as possible to a certified technician. It will surely save you a lot of money in the long run.

4.       Failing to Inspect the Brakes

For sure you have heard from the news numerous vehicular accidents which were caused by faulty brakes. And the repercussions are just so immense that it has caused many lives.  Brake pads are expensive. It can even get more expensive if the brakes wear down completely. Once you hear a squeaking noise when stepping on the brakes, make sure to have it checked right away. Most often, mechanics will check for free.

5.       Driving with an Overheating Engine

Your car is likely to become hot while you are driving it. Therefore, it requires a cooling system that would allow the car to perform smoothly and avoid overheating. This makes use of a coolant. However, there are times that the cooling system may fail which could result in overheating the engine. If you ignore this, it will result in a more grueling financial hole. Ask a certified technician to check on this and ask for options on how to solve the problem.

6.       Not Checking Tire Pressure

Tire pressure is not just about avoiding flat tires. It also means saving on fuel. If your tires are under pressure, it could cause the car to take in more gas than it normally should. Check the tire pressure every few months using a fuel gauge and make sure that the tires are what they should be according to the car manual. Additionally, there is also a need to do a regular tire rotation. Tire rotation is the practice of moving the wheels and tires of an automobile from one position to another, to ensure even tire wear. In doing so, it will allow the tires to last longer.

7.       Not Changing Windshield Wipers

Over time, windshield wipers can get dull. And during the rainy season, it is a must to have these wipers turned on. To use dull blades of the windshield wipers may lessen the visibility which could lead to accidents.

8.       Not Checking The Gas

The dashboard has the things that drivers should be aware of. You should keep your gas tank at least a quarter full at all times.  Never make it a habit to wait for the gas gauge light to turn on because the next gas station may be a bit far. Letting the car run without gas can cause damage to your car in a number of ways. You may be able to drive a few meters with an empty tank however, your car's catalytic converter, which is part of the exhaust system, can be damaged.

Always come home to your family safe. To ensure that your car is giving you the performance that you expect, have it checked regularly by a certified technician. Visit any Fuel King Service Center today. For inquiries, you may send a message through UniOil FuelKing Facebook Fan Page.