If you own a car, you will need to perform brake repair as well as an ABC list of tasks. You can refer to this list if you want to be prepared or when you are going in for a schedule maintenance.
If you own a car,
you must know that taking good care of it, including performing brake repair, will be necessary. Without proper servicing and maintenance, a vehicle will lose value, break down, get terrible fuel efficiency and leave you stranded when you least expect it. In order to be a responsible automobile owner, here are the ABC's of maintenance:
- A is for Adding engine oil: It's important to replace oil according to the schedule in your owners' manual. It may be between every 3,000 to 10,000 miles, depending on your car.
- B is for Brake repair: When squeaking or malfunction happens, it is time to get the brakes checked.
- C is for Clutch fluid: In order to shift properly, the clutch fluid must be kept up to the right level.
- D is for Dead battery: Excessive temps will cause batteries to die more often. You should also make sure your battery clamps and lines are in good condition.
- E is for Engine coolant: Coolant must be checked and replaced periodically
- F is for Filters: Air filters and cabin filters must be replaced as needed.
- G is for Gasoline: Filling up with supreme won't make much difference. Use regular unleaded.
- H is for Heating and cooling system: These should be checked seasonally. Filters and fluids may need to be replaced, depending on the weather.
- I is for Indicators: Pay attention to the warning indicators on the dash.
- J is for Jack: Keep one in your car in case of a flat tire.
- K is for Keys: Leave an extra one hidden in case you get locked out.
- L is for Lights: Have a friend help you - make sure brake lights and others are functional. Replace bulbs as needed.
- M is for Mirrors: These are necessary for safety. If yours breaks off, replace ASAP.
- N is for Numbers: The VIN is as important as your social security number.
- O is for Odometer: Monitor the miles on your odometer in order to know when it's time for service.
- P is for Precautions: Follow all recommended safety precautions.
- Q is for Quick thinking when brakes don't work: Downshift to slow down or go off the road into soft bushes.
- R is for Radiator: Make sure yours is cool when checking fluids.
- S is for Spark plugs: Replace as needed.
- T is for Temperature gauge: If it shows "hot," check with a mechanic.
- U is for Under the hood: A certified technician should be the one to work under your hood.
- V is for VSA: V.S.A. stands for vehicle stability assist. This is the mechanism designed to stabilize a car as it turns corners.
- W is for Windshield wipers: Keep an extra set in your trunk and fill the fluids, as needed.
- X is for an X by the task you completed: Keeping good records will be a smart thing to do.
- Y is for You: You are a responsible car owner if you complete all of the ABC's of maintenance.
- Z is for zzz's: Since you've been taking such good care of your vehicle, you can sleep well and not worry about it anymore.
If you've done your ABC's including brake repair, your car will last longer. It will also be worth more when it's time to sell.
