How To Make Your Car Last A Long Time - Simple Checks

Summary

In this video, the presenter partners with Progressive to highlight essential car checks that can be done at home to maintain your vehicle's performance. These simple yet crucial tasks include inspecting tire tread depth, pressure, and wear, assessing brake pads, shocks, and fluid levels, as well as checking filters and wiper blades. The video offers practical tips on how to check engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, and the cabin air filter. Regular inspections help prevent costly repairs and ensure safe driving, making it an informative guide for car maintenance.

Takeaways

• 😀 Check your car's exterior every six months to ensure it remains in good running condition.
• 😀 Regularly inspect tire tread depth using wear bar indicators. If the surface is smooth, it's time to replace the tires.
• 😀 Ensure your tire pressure is correct to avoid uneven wear, poor fuel economy, and an increased risk of hydroplaning.
• 😀 Uneven tire wear patterns can indicate problems: high pressure (center wear), low pressure (edge wear), or misalignment (one-sided wear).
• 😀 Inspect your brake pads regularly. Replace them when the material is down to about 3mm, and listen for screeching noises as a sign they need replacing.
• 😀 Check the suspension for fluid leaks or damage. A visual inspection from different angles can help spot issues.
• 😀 Monitor engine oil levels using the dipstick. The oil should be between the low and high markers. Add oil if necessary.
• 😀 Look for milkiness in the oil color, as it could indicate coolant mixing with the oil, which is a serious issue.
• 😀 Always check brake fluid and coolant levels, ensuring they are between the max and min markers in their respective reservoirs.
• 😀 Inspect the engine and cabin air filters. Clean or replace them if they’re too dirty, as this can improve engine performance and air quality.
• 😀 Regularly check your wiper blades to ensure they're in good condition for clear visibility and replace them if they are cracked or deteriorating.

Q & A

How often should you check your car for simple maintenance at home?

It's recommended to check your car at least every six months, though some items may require more frequent checks.

What should you look for when checking your tires?

When checking your tires, look for tread depth, proper tire pressure, and how the tire is wearing. Wear bar indicators, uneven tire wear, and pressure levels are key signs to monitor.

How can you determine if your tires need replacement?

If the tread runs smoothly across the wear bar indicators instead of falling into the groove, it’s time to replace your tires.

What issues can improper tire pressure cause?

Improper tire pressure can lead to uneven tire wear, worse fuel economy, and an increased risk of hydroplaning.

How can you identify if your brake pads need to be replaced?

Check the brake pads for wear. When the pad material gets down to about 3 millimeters or less, or if you hear a screeching sound from the metal indicator, it's time to replace them.

What should you inspect when checking the shock absorbers?

Look for any fluid leaks, visual damage to the shock or springs, and ensure the parts are in good working condition. You don’t need to remove the wheels for this check.

What is the proper method for checking engine oil levels?

To check the engine oil, pull out the dipstick, clean it, reinsert it, and pull it out again. The oil level should fall between the minimum and maximum indicators on the dipstick.

How do you check brake and coolant fluid levels?

For brake and coolant fluid, check the reservoirs for minimum and maximum lines. The fluid levels should be between these lines, ensuring proper function.

What is the purpose of checking the air filters?

Regularly check both the engine air filter and the cabin air filter to ensure they're free of debris and functioning properly. A clogged filter can reduce performance and air quality.

Why should you check your car’s lights regularly?

Checking your car's lights, including headlights, indicators, and brake lights, ensures that they are functioning properly, which is essential for both safety and legal reasons.