How to keep your car running smoothly

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In our modern age, car ownership has given us the means to commute to and from our jobs, go on holiday to fun and interesting places, and they have given us a sense of independence that few other inventions have been able to match.

However, owning a vehicle is a huge responsibility that far too many people take lightly. So many seized engines, blown transmissions, and tire blowouts could be prevented if their drivers took the time to maintain their ride properly.

While it is a good idea to sign up for Omega Autocare to protect your investment, there are several additional things you can do to keep your car running smoothly.

In this post, we’ll explain them in detail so that your lifeline to the world won’t fail you at the worst possible time.

1) Change the air filters

This is one of the cheaper components to replace, which is odd considering its importance to the proper operation of your vehicle.

The air filter prevents dirty air and particulate matter from getting into your engine. With clean oxygen, it can operate at peak efficiency, and you won’t have to worry about debris from messing up its inner workings.

If it is allowed to get dirty, less O2 will get through, reducing the overall efficiency of the engine, which in turn forces your car to burn more gas.

By making sure the air filter is cleaned or changed regularly, not only will you ensure its optimal operation, you’ll be putting fewer carbon emissions into the air per mile driven.

2) Check tire pressure

Is one of your tires looking a bit droopy? Let this be a reminder to check your tire pressure on a regular basis.

Both under and overinflated tires put you at risk for a dangerous blowout, but even if this doesn’t faze you, know that these problems can wear your tread down faster, costing you money in the long run.

At many service stations, air is free, so take the time to check the pressure and top up your tires as needed.

3) Replace the belts

Have you begun to hear an annoying squeaking/squealing sound emanating underneath the hood of your car?

If so, this likely means your serpentine belt is beginning to wear out. While they can cost over $100 to replace at your nearest garage, this expense is preferable to the alternative – having it snap will cause your engine to overheat or your alternator to fail, whichever comes first.

4) Refresh the brake pads

Apply the brakes at a stop light only to hear a quiet whine? This your first indication that you will need to have one or both sets of brake pads replaced in the near future, as this is the sound a squealer strip emits.

Know that this is one of the easiest repairs to put off, as the fact that you have some pad left lead many to procrastinate on this necessary chore.

Don’t wait until they wear down to the metal, as every contact that bare brakes have with the drum will deform it, leading to a repair bill that is far more costly.