5 Tips for Preventative Maintenance with Changing Seasons
When the seasons change, so do the conditions of your car. One way to prepare for changing weather and road conditions is by following a few preventative maintenance practices that will help you avoid costly repairs or emergency breakdowns.
In this article, we’ll discuss five types of preventative maintenance: tire inspections and changes, oil changes, brake inspections, heating and air conditioning inspections and changes, and engine tune-ups.
Why Preventative Maintenance Is Important
Preventative maintenance is important for all types of vehicles, especially cars that are driven in weather-diverse regions. When you drive in weather-diverse regions, your car is subjected to a wider range of conditions, including extreme temperatures, icy roads, and heavy rain.
All of these conditions can take their toll on your car if you’re not prepared for them. That’s why it’s important to perform regular preventative maintenance checks and changes – so you can avoid costly repairs down the road.
The Five Most Important Preventative Maintenance Measures
Here are the five most important preventative maintenance measures you can take when seasons change.
Tire Inspections And Changes
Maintaining the tires on your vehicle is one of the most important forms of preventative car maintenance. Tires are not only an essential part of your car – they’re the only thing that connects your vehicle to the road. When tire tread gets low, it’s more likely for you to experience a flat tire or blowout on the highway. And even if nothing catastrophic happens, driving with less than optimal tires can cause damage to other components in your car, including the brakes, suspension system, and drivetrain.
Oil Changes
People often neglect to change their oil regularly because it’s a hassle – they have to take time out of their day or pay extra money for someone else to do it for them. But not changing your car’s oil can lead to major problems down the line, such as engine failure or poor performance. Oil is what lubricates your car’s engine, and if it gets too dirty, the oil won’t be able to do its job properly – leading to damage of internal components like pistons and bearings.
Brake Inspections
When you apply the brakes on your vehicle, brake pad friction causes heat that can cause your brake rotors to warp. Having warped rotors can prevent you from stopping properly – and they’re an expensive repair that is often avoidable by simply changing out the brake pads regularly.
Heating And Air Conditioning Inspections And Changes
If you live in a climate with extreme temperatures, it’s important to perform regular inspections on your heating and air conditioning systems. Vehicles that are regularly exposed to extreme temperatures can experience problems like leaks, corrosion, and damage from condensation if their HVAC system isn’t working properly.
Engine Tune-Ups
Tuning up a car’s engine is the process of adjusting its internal components for peak performance – or more specifically, it’s the process of calibrating the ignition timing, fuel mixture, and idle speed. An engine tune-up can help your car run more smoothly, get better gas mileage, and perform better in extreme weather conditions.
Performing regular preventative maintenance on your vehicle is essential for keeping it running well – no matter what the season. By following these five tips, you can help ensure that your car is ready for anything the roads might throw at it.
