Five car maintenance tips to help you go the extra mile
For National Car Care Month, we’re sharing go-to tips from across Driven Brand’s portfolio of businesses and industry expertise.
April and October are National Car Care Month, and while we want you to love and care for your vehicle all year round, we're jumping on this opportunity to share some of our top tips for looking after your car.
Consistent maintenance is key to ensure your car will be there when you need it most and avoid a breakdown or costly repair. From how simple repairs can lower fuel costs to how car washes maximize your vehicle’s longevity, here's what some of our experts have to say.
Routine maintenance can maximize your mileage
With fuel prices on everyone’s mind, we’re all looking for ways to lessen the blow to our wallets. The Meineke team shares how regular maintenance can help lower fuel expenses; in particular, they suggest keeping an eye on your wheel alignment and tire pressure.
Proper wheel alignment can reduce gas mileage by up to 10%, and keeping your tires inflated at the correct PSD increases fuel efficiency by up to 3%.
Their hot tip: carry a portable pump in your car, and take a few extra minutes to check your pressure when you stop for gas. Other easy repairs and upgrades – like replacing your spark plugs, changing transmission fluid, and regularly changing your air filters — all impact gas mileage, too.
Wheel alignment can extend your vehicle’s lifespan
Fuel efficiency isn’t the only reason to check on your wheel alignment. Fix Auto USA notes that misaligned wheels can negatively affect the lifespan of your tires, suspension, and steering systems. Misalignment causes your tires to wear down unevenly, meaning you might have to replace them sooner. The same uneven wear goes for suspension and steering system parts, which can result in costly repairs.
Some telltale signs your wheel alignment is off are:
- Steering wheel is shaky
- Vehicle pulls to the left or the right
- Uneven wear to your tires
If you notice any of these issues, head to a certified auto mechanic for an inspection.
And even if you don’t spot them, Fix Auto USA suggests checking wheel alignment at least once annually, ideally twice. By doing this simple check, you can get ahead of issues before they become expensive repairs – not to mention it’s vital for your safety.
Repairing minor windshield chips can avoid a full replacement
Road debris can cause small chips on your windshield that can be easy to dismiss when they’re not affecting your visibility. However, the team at Auto Glass Now says this seemingly harmless damage should not be ignored.
Windshield damage can quickly spiral into a bigger issue. The chip can turn into a crack and, in worst-case scenarios, get so big that it requires an entire windshield to be replaced. It’s also dangerous in the event of a collision if the glass is already in a fragile state.
The solution? Get any chips or cracks fixed early. It takes less than 30 minutes, and though you’ll incur an expense, it’s much less than should you need a complete windshield replacement.
Keeping your car clean can make it more resilient
Our friends at Take 5 Car Wash want you to know that a car wash is more than just for vanity purposes; other benefits include rust prevention and protecting the paintwork.
Whether you live on the coast or in a colder climate, sea air and road salt are two of the biggest rust-causing culprits and can eat away at metal. Other everyday issues like bird droppings, UV rays, and pollen also can permanently damage your car’s exterior.
A professional car wash addresses these issues, especially when followed by a wax treatment for added protection and to make your paint color pop (Take 5 recommends a wax treatment at least every three months).
You also deserve to experience that fresh car feeling, so remember to take care of your interior, too. Dust the inside of your car, vacuum your floor mats, and deodorize your vehicle to maximize its longevity.
Get regular vehicle maintenance to prevent major repairs
Investing small chunks of time into car care guarantees you’ll save time, effort, and money in the long run. By scheduling routine maintenance checks and car washes, you’ll set yourself up for success so your vehicle will always be ready to take you where you need to go.