Not getting your car maintenance right can not only waste time and money, it can even put you in danger. Car mistakes can have grave consequences and it’s important to make sure you don’t make them to keep your vehicle in its best condition. These are 6 of the most common car mistakes you should avoid.
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Disregarding Safety Precautions
It’s important to make sure that when working with tools and vehicles, you follow appropriate safety precautions to avoid the many ways you could be vulnerable to harm. Protective wear such as safety glasses, can help prevent eye injuries when dealing with hot fluids or using a hammer. Earplugs can limit the damage to your hearing when using loud power tools, while gloves can prevent chemical burns or painful abrasions to your skin. When working underneath your car, be sure you know how to use a jack stand properly to ensure you’re not injured by your own vehicle. Pinpoint any hazards that could cause you harm and figure out how to prevent or avoid that specific danger.
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Failing To Notice Wear and Tear
Wear and tear happen over time and can rarely be avoided if you’re using your care frequently. Your brakes, tires, light bulbs, engine and transmission are all susceptible to gradual damage and while some wear is obvious to the eye such as a blown light bulb or squealing brakes, others can go unseen. Tire wear and tire pressure may not be noticed and can cause fatal accidents if they go ignored, so it’s vital to conduct regular inspections on your car before something more severe arises. Be sure to know your car inside out and have it inspected at least once a month and before any long trips, while attending to any necessary repairs as soon as possible.
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Disregarding Warning Lights
When looking out for signals from your vehicle to tell you its current status, warning lights and messages can indicate to you whether something needs to be seen to. The tire pressure monitoring system, oil pressure, brake system and engine light will all show warning lights or indicators if your car is in an unfit state. If you do decide to drive with warning lights on, it may lead to excessive emissions, refueling costs, vehicle damage or even a crash that you could instead avoid. Be sure to have your vehicle checked by an experienced professional if a warning light comes on to identify, diagnose and repair your car.
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Skipping Regular Maintenance
Car repair and maintenance can be expensive and time consuming however, skipping regular maintenance checks actually lead to higher costs down the line and more wasted time. Each maintenance check is integral in keeping your car fit and healthy in the long term. Oil changes for your car may be an annual occurrence however, it’s important to check your oil level at least monthly. The same goes for tire pressure when seasons change and can gradually drop over time, checking and adjusting your tire pressure weekly ensure that you’re staying on top of your car maintenance. Be sure to know your vehicle’s maintenance requirements and keep track of it to ensure you don’t skip anything you shouldn’t.
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Using The Wrong Fluid
Depending on your engines design, using the right engine oil can help boost your vehicles performance. Similar to brake fluid, engine coolant, transmission fluid or differential fluid, when using the wrong fluid for your car’s design can not only lead to poor performance but also long-term damage. Be sure that whichever fluid you do decide to use for your vehicle, it’s one that is specified by your automaker.
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Saving On Auto Repairs
Saving money on cheap parts or a cheap inexperienced professional may seem like a good idea if you’re looking after your bank balance however, it may not be the best idea in the long term. Genuine and original parts can end up being the most expensive, but they are specifically made for your vehicle.
Some aftermarket parts on the other hand, may or may not fit and could require adjustment, while not working as well as an original. Having said that, some aftermarket parts are actually better than original parts, so it’s always wise to check with a trusted mechanic to get the best service. Some smash repairs in Melbourne may charge more however, the price tag on their services is justified by the level of competence, experience and training they have. To get the best out of auto repairs, be sure to pay for the best parts and services that you can reasonably afford. Auto repairs don’t need to be expensive when seeking out quality repairs and reliable performance.
Avoiding these common mistakes can help keep you safe and ensure that your car retains its longevity and reliability for years to come.