How to Keep Your Car Running Smoothly

If you are the proud owner of a brand new, or new to you car, congratulations on your investment. You’ll want to do whatever you can to protect that investment now that it’s parked in your driveway each night. All new cars come with recommended maintenance schedules that are covered in your owner’s manual. Once you bring your new car home, you should read over the manual to familiarize yourself with the important maintenance items that you’ll need to have taken care of.

Your tires should be one of the parts of your car that last the longest if they’re well taken care of. You should have your tires rotated a few times a year, and have them inspected with each oil change. The tread on your tired should be at least one quarter inch deep for the optimal performance on the road. You should also be sure your tires are properly inflated. Check your owner’s manual for the correct air pressure for your front and rear tires. For other tips on caring for your tires, check out the blog at Cars.com.

 

Oil changes are another critical component in caring for your vehicle. Regular oils require a full oil change every three months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first. Newer synthetic oils provide the necessary engine lubrication and performance for a longer period of time meaning you can wait longer between oil changes. If you aren’t sure which type of oil is currently in your vehicle, ask your local mechanic and discuss your options with him for the best long-term care and performance.

 

Brakes are another part of your car that should be regularly inspected. You can learn more about your car’s braking systems at Cars.com. If you ever hear any squeaking or grinding when you depress the brake, get to your local mechanic as soon as you can. The longer this condition prevails, the worse the damage can be and the more expensive the fix will be.