Basic Car Maintenance is a Smart Investment

Whether you purchase a vehicle right off of the showroom floor, or you drive a used vehicle that has seen its share of over the road miles, you want to get the most out of your investment. One of the best ways to extend the life of your vehicle is to practice basic maintenance.

Take care of your tires. A good rule of thumb for tire rotation is to have your tires rotated every other oil change. This can vary depending on the amount of driving you do. Check the air pressure in your tires. This simple check can help your vehicle’s fuel economy. When determining the correct air pressure, it’s not enough to go by the number on the sidewall of your tire. Tires are made in generic sizes, and manufacturers recommend the right air pressure specifically for the vehicle. Correct air pressure can also change in cold and hot weather.

Check you belts and hoses. You may not know what everything does under the hood of your vehicle, but even you can recognize a belt or hose that has a crack or corrosion. These parts are usually made of rubber and will eventually wear out.  If you’re still unsure, belts and hoses can be checked during an oil change or at your vehicle’s annual check-up.

Check your oil. If the level of oil in your vehicle is too high or low, it can cause engine problems. New and older vehicle owners can consider using synthetic motor oil like Royal Purple to help increase the mileage you can go between oil changes. Royal Purple offers a variety of viscosities for different makes and models, recommending the SN Series for vehicles 2011 and newer and the new High Performance Series for older vehicles. This benefit means money savings with fewer oil changes and less impact on the environment with less oil disposed. When you get your oil changed ask if they recycle their oil, and if you’re changing your oil at home, check out Earth 9-1-1 for a motor oil recycling center near you.

Check your coolant. If you’re not sure where your coolant reservoir is, check your owner’s manual. The ideal level of coolant should be between the low and high markings. If you are checking your coolant yourself, do not take the cap off if your vehicle has been recently driven. If the coolant system is hot, the pressure inside could burn you when the cap is removed. To keep your engine cool, try a coolant additive like Royal Purple’s Purple Ice. Purple Ice can reduce engine temperatures and protects the engine from corrosion.

Learn the dashboard lights. Refer to your owner’s manual to familiarize yourself with some of your dash warning lights. These include: Check Engine, Service Engine, Electrical Fault, Brake Warning, ABS Brake Warning, Coolant and Oil. Ignoring the warning signs could result in expensive repairs if left too long.

Don’t wait for your vehicle to break down to take care of it. Basic vehicle maintenance as recommended by your manufacturer is a smart investment. For more information about Royal Purple products, visit www.royalpurple.com.