Basic car maintenance tips

by Mark Lorenzana

Your car might be ranked first or second among your most prized possessions. And with good reason— you paid good money for it. Here are some maintenance tips on how to keep your car in tiptop condition so you can avoid unnecessary breakdowns and expensive repairs.

• Regularly changing your car's engine oil and filter is one of the most important things you can do to keep your car running well. Over time, engine oil breaks down and your filter becomes clogged with contaminants.
  
  
• Wash your car regularly (at least once a week) and wax it once in a while to keep it shiny and free from corrosion. However, the most important thing to remember when washing your car is to use products that will be able to gently lift away dirt and grime without damaging the underlying surfaces or strip away existing wax or sealant protection.
  
  
• Always try to use genuine spare parts as replacements. Sure, generic spare parts are a lot cheaper but it’s a better idea to stick to the more reliable originals.
  
  
• Take good care of your tires: check your tires’ pressure regularly - at least once a month; if your tires are worn, have them re-treaded right away or better yet, replace them; improper alignment causes increased tire wear, and in worst cases, may throw your car into a skid especially on a wet road. Have the alignment checked.
  
  
• Have your car checked by a mechanic at least once a year -- and not just a quick visual inspection by one of the fast lube places. Have a competent mechanic inspect major components of your car such as brakes, suspension, etc. while having your tires rotated. This is important because many vehicle components (ball joints, for example) cannot be inspected visually.
  

As soon as you feel there is something wrong with your car like any kind of irregular noise or vibration while driving, have it checked soonest. You don’t want a car that’s unsafe to drive.

For complete information on how to maintain your car, it’s a good idea to refer to your owner's manual or better yet, pay a visit to your local vehicle repair shop.