Car Tips: Simple Steps That You Can Take to Improve Your Car’s Safety and Performance

Owning a vehicle is often a necessity that allows us to get to and from work, the store, and doctor’s appointments.  We rely on our cars to get us to our destinations safely and on our auto insurance to help protect us if things go wrong. To ensure the functionality and safety of your car, it is critical that you take the time to maintain it properly. Regular maintenance will help to keep your car running properly, and it can even extend its life. To help you get the most out of your car, here is a look at a few simple car maintenance tips that can help your car get you where you need to go.

Read the Owner’s Manual

Every vehicle comes with an owners’ manual that contains service requirements and care maintenance tips. Reviewing the manual and keeping to the manufacturer’s recommendations can help ensure your car runs safely and smoothly for years.

Inspect and Maintain Your Tires

To ensure your car’s safety, it is critical to take proper care of your tires. One of the easiest things that you can do to take care of your tires is checking your tire pressure on a weekly basis. Making sure that your tires have the right air pressure can improve your gas mileage and reduce wear and tear. If you are unable to check your car’s tire pressure yourself, most tire shops will do it for free. Taking your tires to a garage or tire shop also allows you to have your tires inspected regularly, ensuring that your tires are not overly cracked or worn. The last thing that you want is a blown tire causing you to get in an accident.

Check Your Windshield Wipers

If your windshield wipers are worn or not working as well as they used to, it is critical that you replace them as soon as possible. Having windshield wipers that are in good condition is crucial when the weather gets bad, as they can help ensure that you can see properly in heavy rain and snow. If your windshield wipers are worn out, you may get in an accident due to reduced visibility. You should replace them if they look cracked, worn down, or are more than 6-12 months old.

Change The Oil Frequently

One of the most essential things that you can do to ensure your car runs properly is to check your oil frequently and replace it according to the specifications in the owner’s manual. While checking your car’s oil level and having it replaced are easy car maintenance steps, if you run low on oil or if your oil becomes seriously corroded, your car can encounter serious issues. Taking this simple step can ensure your engine’s health and extend your car’s life.

Replace Your Air Filter

Another simple yet important car maintenance task that you should not put off is replacing your car’s air filter. If you let your car go too long without replacing a dirty air filter, dust and other particles may enter your car’s engine. Replacing a relatively inexpensive air filter can help to save you a great deal of money on repairs later on. Make sure to inspect your car’s air filter every few months and replace it as needed.

Check Your Belts Regularly

Something many drivers do not think about is the condition of their car’s belts. However, the belts in your car serve a variety of critical functions from running the air conditioner to making sure that your power steering and engine function properly. It is critical that you check your belts for cracks and signs of wear regularly. Should a belt break while you are driving, it could cause severe damage to your car and leave you stranded on the side of the road. It could even cause an accident. If your belts show signs of cracking or they haven’t been replaced in over 60,000 miles, see your local mechanic or dealership.

Have Your Car Serviced Frequently

Just like it is important that you go to the doctor annually for checkups, it is also important that you do the same with your car. While some routine car care can be done at home, a trained eye is needed to truly inspect your car for signs of damage or serious problems. A qualified repair shop will be able to give your car a thorough inspection and tune-up, ensuring that your car is safe and running at peak performance.

Taking proper care of your car is critical to ensure it provides you with reliable transportation for many years to come. It is equally important to be properly insured.

For businesses, the right commercial auto policy can protect your company should you or an employee get in an accident on the job.

For individuals and families, your auto policy is an important tool to protect your property and family in the event of an unforeseen accident.

Contact us to learn about commercial and personal car insurance and the importance of making sure that you have sufficient coverage.

*Always refer to your car’s owner’s manual and a qualified mechanic for car maintenance tips.   For insurance options, contact our office.