You may lack the skills and knowledge to inspect your vehicle’s catalytic converter. Your fuel pump may be similarly outside your comfort zone. Likewise, your head gasket, engine block, and pistons might be among the long list of parts that you’re happy to let your mechanic handle. But there are several maintenance items you should get into the habit of checking on a regular basis.

They’re not difficult to check. Nor do they take a lot of time. Instead, these critical maintenance basics are simple and fast. Without distractions, you should be able to perform all of the following checks within a half hour.

Motor Oil

Of all fluids circulating throughout your vehicle, this is arguably the most important to check regularly. Your engine needs a constant and ample supply of oil to protect its moving parts from friction. buy cialis doctor online The oil lubricates these parts. The problem is, some cars burn or leak oil without their owners realizing it. As a result, the level declines and less is available for lubrication.

If low levels are allowed to persist, the outcome can be disastrous. An overheating engine can quickly sustain expensive damage. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, stick it back in, and pull it out again. If the oil level is low, add more.

Transmission Fluid

Oddly, a lot of people who routinely check the oil in their vehicles neglect to check the transmission fluid. Leaks can develop around the seals and gaskets. If fluid levels decline, you might experience shifting problems. Eventually, your transmission will – like your engine – suffer expensive damage.

Keep your vehicle running and pull out the dipstick. If the level is low, replenish it to the full marker.

Oil, Fuel, And Air Filters

You should replace your oil filter every other time you change the oil. Some mechanics suggest doing so that often is unnecessary, but it’s a small investment to protect your engine.

Your fuel and air filters should be treated differently. The former should last for years (assuming it’s OEM-certified). A good rule of thumb is to replace it every three years. The latter should be visually inspected each time you change the oil. Your air filter’s job is to prevent dirt and debris from getting into the engine, but it also allows air to pass through. Kamagra prescription cialis generic It will eventually become blocked and need to be replaced.

Battery

Your car’s battery will have two posts (a positive and a negative) to which cables are attached. Corrosion builds up over time. This corrosion can eventually prevent a charge from traveling from the posts to the connected cables.

Whenever you check the oil and transmission fluid, take a look at your battery and clean the posts, when necessary. Most auto supply stores have a special wire-based cleaning tool you can purchase for under $10.

Tires

The treads on your tires will eventually wear down to the point you’ll need to invest in a set of replacements. Moreover, they will gradually lose pressure, affecting their response to your steering commands. Check them every two or three weeks. You can measure each tire’s tread depth with a special gauge (it costs a few dollars). You can also check the pressure with a digital gauge (it usually costs under $20). Both can be purchased at any auto supply shop. If your tires’ treads are severely worn, buy a new set of tires. If the pressure is low, add more air.

If you perform the maintenance items listed above on a regular schedule, you will prolong the life of your vehicle. Parts will fail; when they do, you’ll need to replace them. But the checks above will help make sure the most expensive parts (i.e. engine, transmission, etc.) last as long as possible.

Author Bio: For all your used auto parts and used transmissions needs consider the leader in parts, Everdrive.com.

Category: Automotive
Keywords: cars, automotive engine valves, leakdown test, valves, car repair, automotive maintenance