Newer model cars may have fewer maintenance requirements, but that doesn’t mean car owners aren’t holding out to outdated assumptions and habits about how to care for their vehicle. The most common maintenance mistakes made by car owners result in spending more money on fuel and repairs.
Tune Ups
One of the most common mistakes car owners make is referring to regular maintenance as a “tune up.” Computer control systems and advancements in combustion engines have made the parts of the engine that needed to be tuned up obsolete. Spark plugs are the only parts of the old engine components still in use and even those last for an average of 100,000 miles. Take the term “tune up” out of your car vocabulary.
Checking Tire Rotation and Inflation
Many car owners make the mistake of neglecting to check their tire rotation and inflation. Over time, your tires will lose air pressure. Underinflated tires wear down faster and decrease gas mileage. Tires which are not rotated on a regular basis will wear down unevenly. Check the air pressure in your tires once every two to three months and have your tires rotated, on average, every six months.
Park Smart
Another common maintenance mistake people often make is parking outside in uncovered areas when other options are available. Your car is most likely one of the most expensive possessions you own and you should protect it from the elements whenever possible. If you have a covered or enclosed garage, park your car inside there.
Loose Gas Cap
When the check engine light comes on, it is easy to immediately take your car to a mechanic to have the source of the warning light figured out. Before paying steep bills, take a moment to check your gas cap. A loose gas cap can cause your check engine light to come on and can negatively affect your fuel efficiency by allowing gas to evaporate and escape.
Checking the Air Filter
A dirty or clogged air filter will cause your car to work harder while running and that will burn more fuel. You should check and replace your air filter on a regular basis, especially if you commonly drive in rural or congested areas. Most mechanics will check your air filter for you during an oil change.
The most common car maintenance mistakes are easily avoided once you know what to look out for.
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