We all want our new or used cars to perform forever right? At least until we are able to sell them. Unfortunately, so many people overlook the most basic maintenance to help preserve their vehicles health. Regal Car Sales sells cars, but we also want our buyers to stay in their vehicles for many years after the sale. Our mechanics go through a rigorous 102 point checklist to make sure the vehicle you buy is in tip top shape when you drive off the lot.
Sure most cars have problems, but so many of them could have been handled when it was a simple issue, thus the term “Preventative Maintenance”. Before you rush off to your local mechanic or brand dealership to spend a lot of money, I’m going to list the basic items you should be taking care of to make sure your vehicle won’t fail. Over the next few weeks, I will list simple tips to make sure your car will run efficiently while extending the life of your vehicle.
Oil Maintenance in 5 minutes (or less)
Check your Oil! I can’t scream this loud enough. The oil in your car is like blood to humans. Your oil is responsible for reducing friction. For those of you who don’t know what friction is, take your hands and rub them together really fast. The heat you now feel on your hands is a result of friction. Now, apply that to car engine parts. Imagine the little metal parts inside your engine were rubbing together really fast. That would create a massive amount of heat, right? Ok, engine oil’s basic job is making sure those parts stay cool and rub together smoothly.
The experts usually say to have your oil changed in regular intervals of 3,000 miles or so. Well, that’s all well and good, but what if you own a 15 to 20 year old car? You might change it earlier. Cars are like people, and when people get older we need a little more TLC. It’s good to make a normal regimen of checking your oil level every other time your fill your gas tank or getting gas period.
The “Dipstick” is usually located right by your engine. Use the picture I’ve included to help you visually understand what the dipstick looks like. Once you pull the dipstick out, there will be oil on the tip of it. Now, depending on if you just shut your car off its usually best to wipe it clean and do it again to get a more accurate reading. At the bottom of the dipstick there are usually a few marks. Some have actually lines saying “Full” or “Low”. Some just have a couple holes marking the levels. If the oil level is half full, it might be good to slowly add a quart.
I know for some people this seems like very elementary information, but you would be surprised at how many people really don’t know how to take care of their car. Hopefully this brief information will help those individuals that might not be very car savvy.
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