Now that we are well into 2018, you’re probably working hard on making your resolutions a success. Or, if you’re like us, you might have slacked a bit. Nevertheless, there’s still time to pick up the pace. Since the year is off to a fast start, you’ve probably got a lot of things to take care of. Your car should be among the important belongings that you take care of this year.
Taking care of your vehicle might save you a lot of money in 2018. You don’t want small damages in your car to turn into major problems. Expensive repairs can sometimes cost you an arm and a leg, and often, car insurance won’t cover the damage.
Maintenance Steps for Your Vehicle
Generally, normal wear and tear is an exclusion on most car insurance policies. Therefore, make 2018 the year you take care of your vehicle. If you can prevent damage, you might save yourself a lot of money out-of-pocket. You also might be able to avoid a catastrophic failure while you’re on the road. The better you can keep your car, the safer you will be in the end.
So, keep these maintenance tips in mind:
- Receive regular maintenance based on the car manufacturer’s recommendations. Most cars require maintenance every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Others may only need it every 10,000 miles. If your car has a special design, such as being a hybrid, take it to a mechanic who knows how to service this type of vehicle.
- Have the mechanic change the car’s oil during these service inspections. Changing the oil can help keep the vehicle in optimal running condition.
- Balance and rotates your tires as needed. Rotating the tires can help them wear evenly. Furthermore, aligned tires can help improve gasoline performance and stability.
- Ask the mechanic to check the vehicle’s battery health. Your battery likely used a lot of energy over the winter, so it might be close to wearing out. Usually, batteries last around four to five years. If your vehicle has poor battery health, consider getting a battery replacement.
- The mechanic should check and top of your vehicle’s fluid level with every inspection. Also have the mechanic look at your car’s engine for signs of damage and deterioration.
- On your own time, test your windshield wipers and lights. If the wipers scratch or the lights flicker, replace these items. You can often have a customer service rep at an auto parts store replace these items free of charge.
Never drive your vehicle if warning lights come on, or if other problems, like strange odors, arise. Take your vehicle to a mechanic immediately if you notice issues. Even if you cannot get assistance from your insurance, it doesn’t hurt to contact your Stuart FL auto insurance agent. You might find that you can get assistance in other ways, such as with rental car replacement. Call us at 772.287.3366.