Avoid making these car maintenance mistakes

Avoid making these car maintenance mistakes

Your car plays an important role in your life. It is used to transport the kids, to get to work, and in many other tasks. Taking care of it is an indispensable duty. Everything from critical engine parts to the paint on the exterior requires regular maintenance. It doesn’t matter if you’ve owned multiple cars or if you are a first-time car owner, avoid making the following mistakes when it comes to car maintenance.

Ignoring warning lights
Modern day vehicles are equipped with a comprehensive safety alert system. Lights installed on the dashboard flash to indicate electrical issues and problems with the engine or the battery. When the check engine light blinks consistently, you must drive straight to the service center and have a technician inspect the vehicle. Delaying these warnings can result in expensive repairs and part replacement that may or may not be covered under warranty.

Not getting the wheels aligned
Wheel alignment is a crucial maintenance task that needs to be done periodically. Driving conditions and terrain changes cause the wheels to wear out unevenly over time. Wheel alignment and rotation of the tires are done to ensure the car doesn’t oversteer or understeer in any direction due to misalignment. It is also important to monitor the tire pressure using the onboard systems, and regularly fill air for better traction and control.

Not changing the engine oil
Engine oil lubricates the pistons and all the moving parts in the internal combustion engine. A typical vehicle can run for 7,000 miles before you need to get the oil changed. Skimping on this task can cause sludge to form in the engine oil and affect its viscosity. Sludge causes friction and heat to build up and increases the risk of stalling the engine altogether. Additionally, the type and quality of engine oil needed for your car will differ as per its make and model. So ensure you change the engine oil as recommended in the drivers manual provided by the car manufacturer.

Not getting the filters changed
Vehicles need oil and air filters for the engine to run at optimum capacity. Air filters prevent any debris or particles from flowing into the air intake and entering the combustion chamber. Oil filters recycle the engine oil to prevent sludge and other debris from entering the pistons. Both filters work simultaneously to ensure clean air and fuel ignite within the engine chambers. These filters have a limited life span and need to be changed if you notice a dip in engine output and performance.

Buying cheap parts
Saving a few dollars by buying cheap knockoffs for engine or vehicle maintenance will only result in more expenses if the vehicle breaks down. You should always buy genuine manufacturer parts, and avoid getting your vehicle repaired from any unfamiliar garages. Authorized service centers employ trained inhouse technicians who also have access to special tools that are necessary for making the repairs.

Ignoring the exterior
The exterior is just as important when it comes to car maintenance. You must get your car washed regularly and check the paint for patches that indicate rust. Once a portion of your car develops rust, it can quickly spread, impacting the car’s structural integrity. These are all problems that can be easily identified during regular vehicle inspections.

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5 errors truck drivers should avoid while on the road

Driving a truck is no simple business as it involves many risks. Nearly all goods shipped across the country from major ports make their way inland after being brought in by a network of heavy-duty vehicles. It is a reason why truckers get paid big for long-haul cargo. The freight's value also determines how much money can be made in a single trip. However, first-time drivers should be wary of some rookie mistakes during trips. Misgauging distance Big rigs take more time to come to a complete stop, especially at high speeds. Not gauging the distance properly could lead truckers to careen into the vehicle in front. This could even happen while changing lanes without leaving space for the trailer in the back, as it will swerve sharply at high speeds. Breaching speed limits Driving fast is necessary to maintain the highway speed limit. But that does not mean one should drive rashly. It is also not very cool to tailgate other vehicles and prompt them to speed. If the driver ahead loses control, this could result in a catastrophic accident. Sleep deprived driving When it comes to truck driving, deadlines are a crucial factor. But truckers are more likely to make silly driving mistakes that could result in a major accident if they don't take adequate time to relax and cool down. Moreover, if the highway patrol catches drivers working overtime, a hefty fine and license suspension can bring the trucking business to a grinding halt. Bad timing for fueling Fueling up just before a weighing station on the highway is a critical mistake. Simply because the weight of the fuel can put the truck overboard on the allotted minimum towage restriction for that particular state or national highway, it is always better to fill up the tanks once well underway on the journey after completing highway formalities. Distracted driving Modern-day trucks have a lot of safety and automation features that monitor throttle response and braking. But these safety assists are no excuse for driving trucks while engaging in activities like checking the phone or eating while driving. Popular trucks for commercial driving Pickups are the workhorse trucks used for commercial driving, capable of hauling and towing large loads across shorter distances while keeping the drive economical. Popular trucks like the Dodge RAM 1500, RAM 2500, and Toyota Tacoma pickups are some of the most functional and affordable trucks to compare and buy this year. Get revised quotes for new and used pickup trucks from local dodge pickup truck dealers and Toyota Tacoma dealers today.

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6 mistakes to avoid while changing a Jeep’s oil

Changing engine oil is a mundane yet essential task to improve a car's performance, durability, and mileage. This is true for all cars, including Jeep models. Not changing the oil can cause the automobile to overheat, increasing maintenance and repair costs. Typically, Jeep SUVs require an oil change every 3,000-5,000 miles and 7,500-10,000 miles for conventional and synthetic oil, respectively. One must avoid making these mistakes while changing the oil in Jeeps. Using the wrong oil Using the wrong oil can cause significant damage to a vehicle's components. It can increase the rate of wear and tear and result in substantial maintenance costs. Hence, customers must understand which type of oil to use and when. For example, since the oil tends to thicken during the winter, thinner oil works well. Similarly, one may use thicker oil during warm weather conditions. Individuals may use either conventional or synthetic oil in a Jeep. Synthetic oil is preferred because it is more refined and ensures better longevity. It also ensures better performance during extreme weather conditions. Experts say one must continue using the same type of oil and avoid mixing. Not considering the Jeep model one owns Jeep suggests using specific types of oils for its models. For example, the 0W-20 synthetic oil is recommended for the Wrangler, Gladiator, and Grand Cherokee. Similarly, Jeep Renegade owners are advised to use the 5W-40 synthetic oil. Before changing the oil in one's Jeep, customers should research the type of oil best suited for the model. Not fitting the oil filter properly Installing the wrong oil filter or positioning it incorrectly can cause leakage or inadequate oil filtering. Hence, Jeep owners must use the right filter and tighten it after every refill. At the same time, one should ensure the filter is not too tight, as this can break the O-ring. Not replacing the O-ring regularly The O-ring is a seal over the oil filter that prevents leakage. It is subject to damage and wear and tear; therefore, one should replace the ring frequently and check it when changing the oil. One should also ensure the O-ring comes out smoothly when removing the Jeep's oil filter. Filling too much or too little oil Insufficient or excessive oil can cause problems with the vehicle's hydraulic pressure. Insufficient oil can further cause lubrication issues in the car's components while overfilling can lead to gasket leakage. Thus, one must be alert while filling oil in their Jeep. Not reading the manual carefully Jeep's manual typically has extensive instructions and information on the oil filling process. Customers must read these instructions carefully. Missing key details can cause problems like oil leakage and part damage. While changing a Jeep's oil is no rocket science, not everyone may have the time, inclination, or patience for such mundane tasks. In such cases, it is best to hire a professional. They pay close attention to aspects like the type and level of oil, ensuring a hassle-free oil change. They may also spot other problems with the car in time, preventing expensive repairs.

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