Wondering About Car Maintenance? Here’s How to Maintain It for Long Life

Did you know that the average new car in the United States costs nearly $50,000? The good news is that you can substantially increase the longevity of your vehicle by establishing an appropriate maintenance schedule.

Not only will this help ensure all moving parts are kept in check, but it can improve vehicle performance. It will also get rid of the check engine light blinking that many people experience. Let’s explore some of the most important maintenance tips that every car owner should keep in mind.

Schedule Regular Oil Changes

This is one of the most important steps car owners need to take. Changing your car’s oil helps keep the engine lubricated and ensures that your car runs properly.

Most people should change their oil twice per year. However, those who drive long distances on a regular basis may need to change their oil more often.

The professional you work with can provide insight into this topic. For those wondering “How long does an oil change take,” it often takes less than an hour at a reliable Toyota dealership.

Keep Your Battery Clean

As you drive, corrosion will build up on the terminals of your car battery. If you do not clean this substance, your battery could function improperly.

In some cases, it might not work at all. The last thing you want is to find yourself stranded at an inopportune moment. It’s in your best interest to purchase a cheap wire brush and clean the terminals every now and then.

Rotate Your Tires

Interestingly, this is something that many people neglect. You can substantially increase the life of your tires by rotating them on a regular basis.

When people drive, they are much more likely to turn their wheel to the right as opposed to the left. This puts a disproportionate amount of pressure on the tires on the right side of the car.

Inspect Belts and Hoses

An occasional inspection of the belts and hoses under the hood can save you a substantial amount of money. Look for signs of wear and tear that need attention.

The good news is that these components last for tens of thousands of miles. In the event that you do need to replace them, you won’t have to worry about this issue for a long time.

Drive Carefully After Starting

It’s essential to drive carefully until your engine is properly warmed up. Failure to do so could cause unnecessary stress on this component of your car.

Driving carefully involves slowly accelerating while on the road. When in doubt, you can also let your car sit idle for approximately 10 minutes to warm up the engine.

Find a Reliable Professional

The most important step you can take when it comes to car maintenance is finding a reliable professional.

They have the knowledge and experience required to ensure your vehicle gets the proper care. Not only will you get better results, but you can also take advantage of fair rates.

They can assess if your car needs other forms of maintenance, such as Toyota-recommended transmission service, car air filter replacement, etc. Keep this in mind when moving forward.

Check Engine Light Blinking? Take Action

The longer you wait after you find your check engine light blinking, the greater the chance of complications. As long as you’re proactive when it comes to car maintenance, you’ll avoid many issues you would have otherwise encountered.

Get in touch with us today at Universal Toyota. Our professional team has the knowledge and resources to handle any problems you experience with your vehicle.