When you own a car, it will help you in your daily work life and occasional outings and long drives. As an owner, it will also be your responsibility to consider its maintenance. You have to be aware of all the dos and don’ts. Otherwise, your favourite vehicle may suffer serious issues at any time, and you have to take your car to a car service centre nearby.
While many things can lead to malfunction, you should know the common car maintenance mistakes to avoid. This blog will help you with it.
1. Ignoring dashboard warning lights
One of the costliest maintenance mistakes car owners make is ignoring the car dashboard warning light. If you find your car indicator light (e.g. check engine light sign) illuminating on the dashboard even after starting the engine, you must immediately become alert. In most cars, the dashboard is usually placed next to the speedometer.
The possible reasons behind the illumination of a check engine light may be low oil levels, faults in the gas cap, oxygen sensors, or mass airflow sensors, or fault in any other electrical device.
2. Skipping oil replacements
Another vital car maintenance mistake that people make is skipping oil changes regularly. It is true that compared to older car models, newer car models do not require a frequent oil change. But it does not mean that you will skip regular oil checks and required changes for your new car.
If the oil is let to become grimy, it will not lubricate the engine effectively, and the engine will become overheated. Also, with prolonged usage over a considerable period, sludge will form in the oil that will damage the car’s valves and engine chamber.
Usually, every car manufacturing company recommends an oil change based on a car’s mileage and a period of car usage. As an owner, you must be aware of the information.
3. Ignoring fluid checks
While engine oil is one of the vital fluids that need to be checked regularly, other fluids are also used in a car. These fluids include engine coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and power steering fluid. You must also check the condition of these fluids and replace them whenever necessary. Usually, these pieces of information are recommended by the car’s manufacturer.
4. Not taking the car for a routine wheel alignment service
If your car’s wheels become misaligned, you will easily notice it while driving. Ignoring it may lead to more complex problems. Therefore, take your vehicle to a nearby repair service immediately and get your wheel alignment checked whenever you notice such a condition. When it comes to tyre rotation, most car manufacturers recommend that you align your car tyres after every 10000 km.
For contacting a top-rated service provider, you must type ‘wheel balancing and alignment service near me’ on the Google search bar and explore the search results.
5. Neglecting vital engine failure
A car engine becomes hot when you drive your car, and that is why an engine cooling system is installed in the car to prevent the engine from getting overheated. But, when the cooling system starts malfunctioning, you must immediately stop your car and call for a tow.
6. Not checking the tyre pressure
Another typical car maintenance mistake among car users is that they do not regularly check the air pressure of a tyre. Low tyre pressure results in quick fuel exhaustion and thus can cost you huge. The weather also makes an impact on the tyre pressure. Keep in mind that with every 10 degrees C increase in the temperature, the tyre pressure increases by 3-4%. Summers in Perth are hot and thus may badly affect your car tyres.
Tyres also get affected by road conditions. Wear and misalignment are the two common issues associated with tyres. Whatever the reason, you must call a service centre to provide you with a quality tyre replacement.
7. Ignoring brake damage
Car brakes play a vital role in a car transmission and comprise several components like brake pads, discs, rotors, etc. If there is any screeching or grinding noise once you hit the brake pedal, it must be a serious braking issue. Depending on your car model, usage of your car and driving style, your brake pads may serve for 25000 miles to 70000 miles.
The most common and worst brake issue is the brake fluid leak that can cause your car to lose the entire braking ability. So, for safety, you must replace your brake fluid after 2 years of usage, no matter how many miles you have driven. Take your car to a car brake repair shop for a rotor or pad replacement.
How can SAI Auto Care help you?
SAI Auto Care is a leading auto repair shop in Perth that has provided top-quality services to car users over a long period. From minor repairs to full car inspection in Perth, services are carried out by top professionals to ensure the best results.
