May 31, 2022
7 Essential Tips on Auto Maintenance
Photo by Bruce Mars under Unsplash License
Having your own car while in college can give you freedom, convenience, and accessibility. However, that same car can be a source of constant headaches if you fail to properly maintain it. Without proper maintenance, your car could suffer a breakdown on the road. Moreover, failing to maintain your car regularly could lead to costly repairs, which could drain your wallet.
A lot of college students most probably don’t consider taking care of their cars as their top priority. That’s understandable since they are more concerned with their studies.
If you happen to be one of those students, you might want to give some time to care for your vehicle so it won’t start giving you trouble.
If you know little about car maintenance, Veteran Car Donations shares these seven essential tips on how to maintain your car:
- Get acquainted with your car.
Your first responsibility as a car owner is to know your vehicle well. Learn to recognize the red flags, such as when its performance falters, or when the engine makes strange noises. Know the limitations of your car by assessing its brakes, steering, and tires. Address any issue as soon as you experience it to prevent the problem from worsening.
- Check your fluids regularly.
Make it a habit to check your engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid (if you drive an automatic), coolant (or antifreeze), power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Don’t wait until your car tells you that you’re running low on any of these fluids, as it might already be too late by then. Parts that need these fluids are so delicate that a slight problem could spell trouble.
Be sure to use high-quality fluids so your car can function optimally and have a longer lifespan. As for oil changes, you should follow the specified intervals indicated in your owner’s manual. Bear in mind that the standard rule for replacing engine oil is every three months or 3,000 miles.
- Check your tires’ pressure and treads from time to time.
Checking your tires’ pressure at least once a month and inflating underinflated tires can help prolong their lifespan and give you better gas mileage, saving you money. You can check the recommended tire pressure for your car as printed on a sticker inside the driver’s door. If there’s no sticker on the door, you can usually find the specs in the owner’s manual. Most passenger cars will recommend 32 to 35 psi in the tires when they’re cold.
- Rotate tires every 5,000 to 10,000 miles.
Speaking of tires, rotating them is just as important as keeping them properly inflated. Most manufacturers typically recommend rotating your tires every 5,000-10,000 miles, or at the same time as your regularly scheduled oil changes.
Failure to rotate them on the recommended interval will not only cause your tires to wear out faster but will also pose unnecessary risks for you. When tire treads wear down unevenly, this may lead to heat buildup, hydroplaning, poor traction, and an increased risk of punctures and blowouts, thus decreasing your safety on the road.
- Keep your wipers in excellent condition.
Many drivers tend to overlook their windshield wipers. Little do they know that those wipers are vital for their safety. Imagine when it suddenly rains heavily one night, you turn your wipers on, only to find out that they’re not working. Two things can happen: Either you get into an accident if you continue to drive, or you get stranded someplace as you wait for the rain to stop.
- Don’t disregard signs of car trouble.
As soon as you notice any brewing trouble in your car, take it to a mechanic to get it examined. Pay attention to your engine as you drive. Don’t push it to its limits. Ignoring warning signs like a flat tire, engine overheating, or a faulty headlight can be dangerous.
- Follow the maintenance schedule.
Getting your car tuned up regularly is key to extending its life and keeping it in good shape. If you are an average car user, you’ll need to have your car serviced by a professional mechanic at least once every six months. Also, be sure to know the location of the most reliable auto repair facility nearest your campus.
Looking for the Best Way to Retire Your Old Car?
If you’re getting a new car to replace an old one that’s no longer serving you well, consider donating the latter to us at Veteran Car Donations. We’ll give your old ride a new and worthy purpose — that of uplifting the lives of the suffering veterans and their families in your community.
We’ll auction off your donated vehicle and use the proceeds to support the life improvement programs for veterans of our charity partners. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations cater to former U.S. service members who are homeless, unable to find decent jobs, and suffering from disabilities and serious illnesses, including mental health issues.
Our charity partners use the funding we give to provide their beneficiaries with free quality health care, financial aid, housing assistance, employment opportunities, family support, educational scholarships, psychotherapy services, and many other benefits.
As our donor, you’ll be entitled to claim the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season. We’ll send you the 100% tax-deductible sales receipt of your car soon after its sale.
You’ll also benefit from our free pickup and towing service, which we will provide you wherever your vehicle is located in the country.
Aside from the material rewards in store for you as our donor, you’ll also be privileged to enjoy a most satisfying donating experience, knowing that your act of charity will help transform the lives of our nation’s heroes.
We accept almost all types of vehicles regardless of their age or condition. Head over to this page to learn what other types of vehicles you can donate to us besides your unwanted car.
For information on our quick and easy donation process or tax deductions, head over to our FAQs page. Should you have any concerns or questions, call us through our 24/7 toll-free hotline at 877-594-5822 or leave us a message here.
Help Our Heroes Get Back on Their Feet!
Photo by Maël BALLAND under Pexels License
While your old vehicle no longer looks appealing to you, we can use it to transform the lives of the hurting heroes in your local community. Call Veteran Car Donations at 877-594-5822 or fill out our secure online donation form now!
Last Updated: October 30th, 2023