Now it’s time to look at the other end of the equation – the top 5 car maintenance mistakes.
Mistake #5: All Eyes on the Oil
Many car owners are all over their oil levels and keep tabs on when it’s time for a change. Even though oil is important for your vehicle, this doesn’t make other fluids any less crucial.
Reduced levels or ageing fluid in your coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid or washer fluid can all cause big problems down the track if left unchecked. Pay attention to the oil levels, but make sure you aren’t being blinded to the other important parts of car maintenance.
Mistake #4: Incorrect Tyre Inflation
In our last post we shared that optimal tyre inflation is key to ensuring your fuel efficiency. But it is also essential for getting the most out of your tyres.
When tyres are under or over-inflated, they will wear out sooner, costing you more money, more often. Incorrectly inflated tyres also translate to less driver control, resulting in reduced safety levels on the road.
Another little-known tyre quirk is that the front and rear tyres of your car wear differently, given that they are doing different jobs. For this reason, tyres should be rotated every so often to even out the wear and tear.
How do you know your car’s ideal tyre pressure or rotation period? All of the details are in your owner’s manual.
Mistake #3: Using the Wrong Oil
Staying on top of your oil levels doesn’t mean a whole lot if you are putting the wrong fluid into your car. The recommended oil viscosity laid out in your owner’s manual is there for a reason.
Using oil with the incorrect viscosity means that your vehicle is likely to have insufficient lubrication – a problem that affects your car performance and may lead to premature failure. Make sure that you aren’t going to all that effort for nothing. Read the manual and top up your levels with the right oil.
Mistake #2: Ignoring the Air Filter
Your car’s air filter performs an essential function in your vehicle, allowing oxygen in to help the fuel combust. It makes sense, then, that driving with a clogged air filter is like trying to breathe with glad wrap over your mouth. Not fun!
A dirty air filter means that your car needs to work harder and will cause premature failure and other problems in the long run. Keep tabs on your air filter’s health – your car will thank you for it.
Mistake #1:Avoiding the Mechanic
Without a doubt, the number one car maintenance mistake avoiding the mechanic. Forking out money on regular servicing is not a priority for some car owners – but it really should be.
You may save $100 this month by staying away from the mechanic. But in six months that small problem that could have been detected early will become a big issue and leave you further out of pocket.
There is no way to run away from car maintenance. It’s best to nip any problems in the bud before they grow into a much greater headache.
