Car Maintenance Basics Infographic

Keeping up with regular maintenance and car repairs can feel overwhelming at times but it doesn’t have to be. If you keep an eye on a few essential parts of your car, you can do a lot of car maintenance on your own at home and be able to catch necessary car repair services before they cause real problems for you. Read on for tips to keep you and your car happy.

Keep an Eye on Essential Fluids

Your car uses several different fluids to keep your car running optimally. Luckily, you can check most of these yourself, including engine oil, coolant and in some cases transmission fluid. Plus, you’ll want to make sure you have enough windshield wiper fluid to maintain visibility while driving. Since you likely will not notice issues until your fluid is far below healthy levels, it’s best not to wait until you notice symptoms that you need to top off or flush any of your car’s fluids.

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Top Off at Home or Have a Mechanic Do a Flush

If you notice your engine oil or wiper fluid levels getting lower than you’d like, they are easy to top off. However, keep in mind that if your engine oil is low, you likely have a leak that should be addressed by a mechanic. Likewise, if you’re able to check your transmission fluid and it’s low, that means you have an underlying issue with your transmission that requires scheduling a car repair service. Your engine oil, transmission fluid, and brake fluid should also be flushed and replaced by a mechanic regularly to prevent damage and poor performance from old, dirty fluid.

Check Your Tires and Brakes

While some modern cars will tell you when your tire pressure is low, you can also easily check tire pressure yourself at home. Keeping your tires at optimal air pressure will prevent extra wear on your tires from low pressure and reduce risk of blowouts from over-filled tires. If you need to add air to your tires, you can do so at many gas stations and auto shops.

Get Your Brakes Checked Regularly

While you’re down there, take a look at your brake pads and rotors. They should be replaced regularly to prevent damage from over-worn brakes. Plus, worn brakes will be less effective, meaning you’re not as safe on the road. A trusted mechanic can easily replace brake pads and rotors or do a brake fluid flush if your car is due.

Look Out for Warning Lights

Modern cars have all sorts of warning lights to alert you to a problem or even to tell you that you’re due for regular maintenance servicing. That means this is one of the easiest ways to keep up with maintenance on your car, but you have to pay attention. Don’t brag about how long you’ve driven with your check engine light because you may be causing serious problems for your vehicle.

A Mechanic Can Check for Codes to Find the Underlying Problem

No matter which warning light comes on, a mechanic can diagnose the underlying issue. When your check engine light comes on, it can be tough to figure out what the real problem is but a simple code check can tell your mechanic where to start with a car repair.

Pay Attention to How Your Car Drives

Along with paying attention to warning lights, pay attention to any changes in how your car drives. If you notice a rough idle, changes in how it handles corners, or less power during acceleration, these can all mean a big underlying problem.

A Mechanic Can Diagnose Your Car's Driving

Whether or not you think it’s all in your head, it’s best to take your car in for maintenance if you notice a difference in performance. Changes often happen gradually over time, so you may be picking up on the beginnings of a bigger issue that could be prevented by taking your car to an auto shop.

Consult Your Owner’s Manual

When in doubt, always check your owner’s manual for recommended maintenance intervals and essential services. If you’re topping off fluids at home, your car’s manual will tell you which type to get. Using the wrong fluid can cause major problems, so always be sure you’re using the correct type of engine oil, coolant, or transmission fluid if you’re doing this maintenance yourself.

AAMCO Bay Area Mechanics Are Here to Help

When you notice problems with your car, AAMCO Bay Area car repair services can get you back on the road in no time. Let us know what changes or problems you’ve noticed with your car and we’ll find the root of the problem to get it fixed. We also specialize in other auto maintenance and repair services including Suspension system service and repair, transmission service and maintenance, regular auto repair and maintenance, oil change service, check engine diagnosis, engine tune-up, and repair and many more. Contact us today or check in with your local AAMCO Bay Area mechanics for information about our services.