Regular maintenance is not just the secret to keeping a car running for a long time; it’s fundamental to ensuring that the car is there when you need it, ready to go at just the turn of a key. Keeping tabs on the parts that are most likely to wear out and need replacement helps ensure your car will always be at the ready, and that future problems will be preventively solved.
Oil Filter
The most common part of a car that needs replacement is the oil filter. A new oil filter must be installed with the new oil every time it is changed. If you’re replacing the oil yourself, make sure that you replace the filter as well. If you’re relying on a mechanic or oil change establishment, make sure that they replace the filter with the oil change and that they use a known brand of filter that’s the right size for your car.
Air Filter
Every car needs to breathe, and the air needs to be clean and free of particulate matter. Modern car air filters are excellent at this. However, this means that they can quickly become clogged over time. This not only decreases your vehicle’s performance, but it also forces the engine to work harder and burn a rougher fuel mixture, which in turn puts more stress on the engine. Therefore the air filter needs to be regularly inspected and changed.
Tires
Out of an entire car, the only part that touches the road is the tires. This exposes the tires to road conditions and obstacles which will wear them down over time and may cause catastrophic failure if not properly maintained. Professionals, like those at Evans Tire and Service Centers, know that you should always check your tire pressure whenever you are filling your tank, and add air as necessary. This has the added benefit of decreasing fuel consumption by reducing friction.
O-Rings and Waterproof Joints
Every car is filled with small rubber connections that are designed to keep water out or critical fluids in. Failures of these joints are the most common causes of electrical damage when water enters the electronics and rusts contacts or shorts out connections. Failures at rings which control oil or other fluids can also lead to severe damage. Since any of these rubber connections can dry rot easily, it is important to check them at regular intervals and replace any that are cracked or worn.
The parts of the car that need regular replacement are those who are put under the most stress. Fortunately, most are designed to be quickly and easily replaced and can be done so at home. Keeping an eye on them is key to keeping your car driving well and reliably.
