10 Parts to Check During Maintenance

Jul 12, 2018

To run efficiently, a car requires regular maintenance. Keeping up with a consistent car maintenance schedule ensures smooth driving, consistent fuel economy and a variety of other benefits. Sticking to a car maintenance schedule can save both time and money.

1) Oil

Car engines require oil to lubricate the metal in the engine. If a car runs out of oil completely, friction can produce heat that melds metal together. If the oil is dirty, it must also be changed. Dirty oil is thick, corrosive and can erode car metal.

2) Transmission

Helping a key part of a car stay lubricated, transmission fluid ensures a vehicle is functioning properly. If transmission fluid runs low, contaminants can form and shorten the life of the transmission. A key part of a vehicle, the transmission’s health depends on clean transmission fluid.

3) Brakes

Though it doesn’t get dirty or evaporate, brake fluid can impact a car’s performance. If brake fluid is polluted with water, it can lead to air forming in brake lines. Potentially absorbing moisture from the atmosphere, brake fluid should be checked regularly.

4) Coolant

Whether a Beetle or Jetta, coolant exists in every type of car. Made up of ethylene or propylene and water, coolant absorbs heat and sends it through a radiator. Breaking down over time due to its hot environment, coolant can cause rust. With the potential to block cooling paths and overheat an engine, coolant should be checked often.

5) Power Steering

Steering a car is obviously necessary to drive. To help control the steering of a car, power steering fluid is needed. Making steering easier and smoother, power steering fluid may need to be changed if steering becomes too difficult.

6) Tire Pressure

Another important area of car maintenance, tire pressure often decreases by itself. Affecting a car’s ability to corner, brake and more, tire pressure should be checked against tire recommendations. Check your owner’s manual as it lists the proper tire pressure required.

7) Tire Alignment

Another area of tire maintenance, tire alignment must be maintained to ensure a vehicle’s suspension is performing properly. Bad tire alignment can cause a vehicle to veer toward one direction or vibrate while driving. Causing uneven tread wear and potentially dangerous driving situations, tires must remain in their proper positions.

8) Brake Pads & Rotors

Possibly the most important part of a car, brakes are designed to cease movement. Driving in areas with a lot of stop lights and stop signs can wear down brake pads and rotors. If pads wear too thin it makes it harder to stop or slow down. Check a vehicle’s brakes regularly to ensure they are operating effectively.

9) Air Filter

Most people spend a significant amount of time inside a vehicle. Maintaining the health of both the car and passengers, a vehicle’s air filter ensures a comfortable environment. Atmospheric conditions can contaminate an air filter over time. Leading to reduced gas mileage and horsepower, a vehicle’s air filter should be checked regularly.

10) Windshield Wipers and Headlights

Located on the outside of a car, windshield wipers and headlights are a vehicle’s defense against weather and darkness. Often overlooked, these outside features of a car should be checked frequently. Reducing potential driving and vision issues, both windshield wipers and headlight bulbs are easy to change and maintain.

To extend the life of a car and avoid any costly issues, car maintenance is a necessary part of owning a vehicle. Whether a car needs a transmission flush or an oil change Lewisville Volkswagen is available to perform any maintenance needed.

Image provided by Shutterstock