Vehicle Care Between Mechanic Visits

Just like people need doctors, our vehicles need mechanics. Between tune-ups, you may want to learn some tips on how to take care of your vehicle. Meet your mechanic halfway by having a general idea about the major parts of an engine, and by knowing when it's time to have certain parts replaced, fixed or just cleaned up.

First, let's talk about the transmission. It controls the power and torque of your vehicle. The most important thing you can do for this engine part is checking the fluid level. Check your owner's manual to find out at what mileage you need to have your fluid and filter changed, but try to check levels every 1,000 miles or so. Low levels, leakage and excessive engine heat are signs you need to seek help in this area. Talk to your local professional about techniques for driving to optimize the life of your transmission.

Next—but certainly not any less important—is you're A/C and heating system. This is a feature that most vehicle owners are very aware of! This system requires lower maintenance, as the only reason to bring your car or truck in for A/C inspection is if your system is taking longer to cool down or never gets to the cold temperatures it used to. You can, however, watch out for leaking oil or Freon, a noisy A/C compressor belt or ask your mechanic to inspect your car for leaks using special equipment. Your automotive technician may suggest you have your condenser fins cleaned, drive belt adjusted or any other number of small tweaks to keep your cooling and heating system in peak condition.

Caring for your brakes is equally important. Each individual's driving style affects the wear on brakes, therefore making some adjustments to your driving style can greatly reduce how often you need work done on this system. Drivers can make an effort to not constantly hit the brakes or ride the brakes, and try to avoid panic stops. Be aware of when "things just don't feel right" when driving, including difficulty braking and an off-balance vehicle that pulls to one side when brakes are applied. Don't ignore your warning light, either! Even if your vehicle feels fine, make sure to have your brakes inspected at least twice a year to examine your anti-lock system, brake pads and shoes and the wear on your rotors.

Last but not least, let's talk about oil changes. Your owner's manual will tell you how often you'll need a change, and this mileage is usually dependent on your make, model and the oil type you go with. Synthetics allow drivers to go longer without a change. Vehicle owners can monitor oil levels, add oil when necessary and get regular changes. Always check your oil on an even surface with your engine turned off.

All in all, keeping your car in shape is all about being observant and being vigilant with a maintenance schedule. Don't put off getting your car the care it needs- a mechanic can help you keep your investment in top condition.