Avoiding common car maintenance mistakes

Lead in: Maintaining a car can be a complicated process, especially when you are going the do-it-yourself way. Steer clear of these common mistakes.

Your investment in an automobile may be second only to your house. Most often, you also end up spending a considerable amount of money on the upkeep of your car. Ignoring even minor issues related to car maintenance for long may lead to expensive replacements.
Many car owners make mistakes when it comes to car maintenance. We have highlighted some common errors below that you can avoid for maintaining your prized possession.

Avoiding regular oil change
Clean and good quality oil is a necessity to keep the engine running smoothly for a long duration. Diligently follow the oil change schedule recommended in the owner's manual. The ideal duration for oil change is based on the distance covered by your car or the time elapsed after the last oil change. Changing oil too frequently also has its repercussions on the car's performance. Hence strictly follow the routine recommended by experts

Ignoring the right tyre pressure
Worn out, under or over-inflated tyres make an engine sluggish. Hence, not paying attention to tyre pressure can affect your car engine's performance. Investing in a tyre pressure gauge will help you keep a regular check on tyre pressure and maintain it at the right level. You should preferably take your vehicle to a car service centre or garage once a month to check up on air pressure in your wheels.

Using the wrong fuel type
Filling your car's tank with the wrong type of fuel can not only harm your engine, but also affect fuel efficiency. The fuel type needs to be carefully considered according to your car's make and model. For instance, if the engine requires regular fuel, using premium fuel will not only cost more, but also give you lesser mileage.

Evading car repairs or parts replacements
When it comes to automobile repair, procrastination may lead to damage to the engine and even add to repair costs in future. Relevant car repairs should hence be taken care under routine maintenance activities. The high cost may tempt you to put off a replacement; however, this may lead to permanent damage to your engine, which may prove more expensive in the long run. Important parts like spark plugs, filters, coolant or belts need to be replaced as and when they wear out. Consult with an expert mechanic at a car garage to know the condition of all these car parts.

Overlooking the brake system
Ignoring the maintenance of your brakes is the gravest mistake you can make. Any unusual sound in the brake system needs to be checked immediately at an authorised car service centre or garage. Also check on the level of the brake fluid, which is crucial for effective car brakes. Not paying heed to warning signs of brake failure may have serious repercussions for your loved ones. Maintenance of car brakes is hence one of the foremost car maintenance tips given by experts.

You do not have be an expert mechanic to keep your car in top shape. Self-inspection coupled with regular trips to a car service centre or garage will add more miles to your car. Avoiding the above-mentioned mistakes and practicing car maintenance tips from experts will also save you car repair costs.