How much do you know about how to keep your car in amazing condition? I found this amazing essential car checklist on vistamagazine.com check it out below:
Engine
Car checklist tip number One: Getting your oil changed is the cornerstone of routine engine maintenance. Engine oil doesn't exactly age well while in your car. In fact, it breaks down over time, becoming less of the smooth, lubricating substance that your engine loves and more of a liquid sludge. Buildup can accumulate on your engine's interior surfaces. All of this can lead to reduced fuel efficiency , and it can reduce the life of your motor. As a general rule, getting your oil changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles is a good car maintenance habit. Use an upgraded oil only if your car owner's manual recommends it — otherwise, you may be wasting your money. To keep your engine in great shape, you should also change your air filter once a year or every 20,000 miles.
Tires
Car checklist tip number Two: Take good care of your tires! Keep them properly inflated and have them rotated regularly to increase tread longevity and maintain fuel economy. To check your tire pressure yourself (which you should do once a month and before long trips), buy a tire pressure gauge. Take a reading when the tires are cold, meaning that they haven't been driven in at least three hours, by sticking the gauge into the valve stem. When the gauge pops, check the number. It represents pounds of pressure per square inch, or "psi." If it is below the psi in your owner's manual, then it is time to put air in your tires.
Your tires also need to be rotated to help distribute the wear on your wheels. Check your car manual for recommended frequency, but as a general guideline, they should be rotated about every 6,000 miles, or every second oil change. When should your tires be changed? The penny test is a great way to check your tire tread and to make sure that your wheels are safe enough for the road. Place an upside-down penny in the grooves. As long as part of Abe Lincoln's head is covered, then the tread is high enough and your tires are fine.
Brakes
Car checklist tip number Three: Good brakes are an essential component of vehicle safety. They should be a priority on your car checklist , next to engine and tire maintenance. How often should your brakes be checked? Have them inspected by a professional once a year or about every 15,000 miles. If they make a sound when you brake, if you feel a slight back pressure on your foot, or if you notice that it takes more pressure than normal to get your car to come to a complete stop, you should have your brakes looked at.
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