Do your windshield wipers wipe, or smear?
Faulty windshield wipers can cause your car to get stuck on the road during bad weather. If you notice that your windshield is difficult to see through, that is a sign that you need new wiper blades.
The blades should be changed at least twice a year or season. Replacing the wipers in the winter is especially important if you live somewhere it snows. You’ll be able to avoid accidents from snow clinging to the wipers, and impairing visibility.
What other car maintenance tips should you be on top of? Read on to find out!
Table of Contents
1. Change Headlight Bulbs
First things first, you want to make sure that your headlight bulbs are in good working order. To change your headlight bulbs, you’ll need alcohol wipes to hold the new light bulbs, the new bulb, and a Phillips screwdriver.
Next, find the headlight holder that you access the bulb through. Instead of coming from the front of the car, you’ll want to open your hood and find the headlight near the front of the vehicle.
The bulb holder will have a power connector that attaches directly to the bulb. Briefly clean the new bulb before installing it. To go the extra mile, replace your tail lights too! You can also check out this guide to battery reserve capacity to keep your car running efficiently.
2. Track the Tires
As a driver, you know that one of the most important things about keeping any vehicle in good working order is monitoring tire pressure regularly. You want to make sure that you drive with the right amount of air in your tires at all times, and you can only do this by checking them regularly.
To check your tires you’ll need an air pressure gauge, also known as a tire pressure gauge. You can find one at any local auto parts store and they are cheap.
3. Baby the Brakes
Next on our list of car maintenance tips, we have the brakes. Did you know whiplash can happen to you even if you’re only going 5 mph? To check your car’s brake pads, you need a flat surface and an inch-pound torque wrench. You can get the correct pressure by referring to the owner’s manual for instructions on how to measure caliper piston movement.
If the car moves less than 1 inch when applying two pounds of pressure, it means the pads need to be replaced. If your car moves one inch or more for every two pounds of pressure, you should see your mechanic soon because either there is a problem with the fluid in the braking system or the brake disks themselves are damaged.
Practice These Basic Car Maintenance Tips
Remember, safety first! The best way to keep your car safe and in good working order is by following all of the car maintenance tips in this article. These simple checks will help you avoid having an accident due to a faulty part or low tire pressure.
If any of the above seems too difficult for you, don’t hesitate to contact a professional mechanic for help. If you’re ready to learn more helpful tips, we’d love to help. Take a few minutes to read another one of our articles.
