Every car owner knows that each day, wear and tear takes its toll on their vehicles. Most of us have been faced with paying for a major automobile repair such as replacing tires, a transmission or even an entire engine. While auto insurance in San Antonio, TX can help to protect your pocket after an accident, it’s important to ready your vehicle for every journey. In order to avoid expensive repairs, here are some monthly tasks that you should check on a regular basis.
Air Filter
Typically, air filters are conveniently located right under your hood near or at the top of your engine. Simply take out your air filter and check to see if there is any light coming through the filter. If you can’t see light passing through, you probably need to replace it. Filters are inexpensive to replace but will prolong the life of your vehicle and increase your gas mileage.
Oil
Your oil should typically be changed every 3,000 – 5,000 miles. Depending on the age of your vehicle and whether or not it leaks, you should check the oil at least a few times between changes. Your engine may need an extra quart here and there to make sure it is running smoothly. Remove the dipstick, clean it off, and then place it back in the engine and remove it again. The oil level at the bottom of the dipstick will show you what your car needs.
Brake Fluid
Locate the brake fluid reservoir, which is usually near the brake booster and master cylinder at the top of the engine. Unscrew the cap and see if the fluid level is within roughly half an inch or so from the top. Also, make sure to check for discoloration in the fluid, and clean off any dirt or dust surrounding the reservoir to keep everything working at its best.
Tires
Tires keep up on the road safely, so be sure to check them often! Check the tire pressure to ensure they aren’t over or underinflated, which can cause unnecessary and uneven wear on the tires. Be sure to check out the tread, too, to see if the depth is starting to get worn down.
Coolant
The easiest way to check coolant levels is to look at the outside of your coolant reservoir and see if it’s at the ‘Full’ line. If it isn’t, simply add a 50/50 mixture of coolant and water until it is back to the top. A good rule of thumb is to never add coolant to a hot engine.
When you need auto insurance, fall back on quality coverage. Contact Jerry R. Carnahan Insurance to learn more about protecting your vehicle in San Antonio, Texas and beyond. We’re here to help!
