In 2019, Americans drove a total of 3.2 trillion miles. Close to 229 million Americans had their driver’s licenses in that year. These figures reflect something many have known for decades: Americans are people of the road. 

That’s why car maintenance is so critical for the average worker. Without a robust car maintenance schedule, your vehicle becomes vulnerable to many threats. 

Unfortunately, car repair and maintenance often become expensive. Luckily, though, there are little things you can do periodically to ensure your car runs well. 

If you’re wondering what those things are, keep reading! We’ll explore three of these practices in the guide below. 

1. Checking Your Tires

The first task on your car maintenance checklist should be checking your tires. Your vehicle can’t go anywhere without functional tires.

Tire maintenance goes beyond checking to ensure they’re not flat. Instead, you should also monitor the air pressure in each tire. Your tires can wear out more quickly when they are over or under-inflated.

Tires with poor pressure can also cause your vehicle to work harder to reach desired speeds. As a result, your fuel efficiency can worsen. So, check your tires every two weeks to ensure they have enough pressure. 

Also, ensure your wheels have enough tread. Tires with smooth tread can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. 

2. The Importance of Fluid Levels in Car Maintenance

Your vehicle relies on several fluids to run properly, including:

  • Oil
  • Brake fluid
  • Power steering fluid
  • Wiper fluid
  • Coolant

Every driver must check these fluids regularly. Otherwise, several parts of your vehicle could suffer. 

Usually, shortages of these fluids result in engine or radiator damage. So, even if you can’t replace fluids, it’s helpful to know how to check them. 

Most vehicles have dipsticks that help you measure your fluid depth. Alternatively, you may have a gauge for some fluids. 

If your fluids are below the minimum level, top it off quickly! Otherwise, you may need radiator repair services before you know it. 

3. Check Your Brakes

Your brakes are critical to ensuring your safety on the road. Weak brakes could cause you to run through stoplights and stop signs.

Older vehicles rarely include the advanced braking systems that many cars now feature. But, you can still check your brakes to discover any problems. 

One test is to gently press your brake pedal while driving on a clear stretch of the road. If your brakes feel loose or fail to engage, it’s best to have a technician inspect them. 

Alternatively, your vehicle may experience vibrations or shakes that indicate worn-out rotors. Likewise, high squeaking sounds may show that your brake pads are too weathered. 

Take your car to the shop if it exhibits these symptoms. Search for the most affordable car maintenance cost near you to get these fixed!

Follow These Car Maintenance Tips!

Even the most low-maintenance car can benefit from these tips. These three strategies cover the essential portions of your automobile. So, start applying these today to ensure your vehicle can transport you safely.

We hope you enjoyed this article! If so, we have several other automotive pieces that can help you protect your vehicle. Check out our other content today to learn more about car maintenance!