Your car is a major investment, and it is a machine that needs to be properly maintained in order for it to function properly. However, if you're like a lot of people, you are doing a few things that can lead to expensive repairs and extensive wear and tear. Here are four mistakes you might be making that could ruin your car over time.
Waiting to Get an Oil Change
Even though many new cars have a dashboard indicator to alert drivers that their car needs an oil change, people wait to get them done. If you're one of those people, you could be slowly destroying your engine.
The motor oil in your car provides lubrication, and as it circulates, it starts to break down. As a result, your engine suffers extra wear and tear, which could lead to premature failure. Having fresh oil allows your engine to function at its best, so be sure to read your owner's manual to know how often you should be having the oil changed in your car.
Neglecting Fluid Levels
You may say you check the fluids in your car, but it is likely that the only fluid you check with any frequency is the oil, although you may notice when you are out of wiper fluid as well. However, it is important for you to keep an eye on your transmission fluid, as well as your brake fluid and coolant. Fluctuations in the amount of these fluids can mean that you have a problem that needs to be looked at by a professional mechanic.
Disregarding the "Check Engine" Light
Many people see their "check engine" light come on and ignore it, because they think the car is running fine. You might open the hood and take a quick glance around, conclude that there is no problem, and forget about the light. However, it is important that you never ignore the "check engine" signal; there are many reasons it may light up, and to be safe, it is a good idea to have your car checked out. You may simply need to change your filters, or you might have a more serious problem that needs to be addressed.
To make sure your car runs well for a long time, make sure you avoid any of the above behaviors. Head to a car repair shop such as Southside Auto Repair for regular maintenance, so that if a problem is found, you can get it fixed right away and avoid further problems.
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