10 Automotive Maintenance Tips Every Driver Should Know

Staying on top of your vehicle’s recommended automotive maintenance schedule requires being more familiar with how your ride should function on South Elgin roadways. That’s why you’ll want to be sure that you can recognize when it’s time to bring your vehicle in for service so that you’ll never miss a beat on your Palatine commute. Biggers Mazda is here to break down the top 10 automotive maintenance tips every driver should know whether you’re new or experienced, and see how you can always count on our expert service team!

Common Automotive Maintenance Tips: What You Need To Know

While you don’t have to be a certified mechanic to understand how to best take care of your ride, here are some common automotive maintenance tips that you can count on so you can always get the best from your car on South Elgin roads: 

1. Know the Manual: The owner’s manual to your vehicle is the key to helping you check everything properly and be able to keep your vehicle running smoothly for longer.
2. Inspect the Vehicle: Review the owner’s manual to learn about the things you should be able to identify. Soon you’ll be able to notice signs of leaks, flat tires, and more that you can have fixed before it becomes more serious.
3. Check Your Tires: Invest in a tire pressure gauge. This is a tool that makes monitoring your vehicle’s tire pressure a breeze. Test your tires to ensure they are at the recommended levels and check the tread for signs of wear at home using a penny. When you place the penny with Lincoln’s head facing down, if you can see all of the head, your tires need to be replaced.
4. Check the Engine Oil Level: This oil helps reduce friction, overheating, and excessive wear in the engine. Use the owner’s manual to locate the dipstick so you can check the oil levels. Also, keep in mind to check the color of the oil. A darker color indicates a change is needed.
5. Check the Engine Coolant: Again, you’ll want to utilize your owner’s manual to determine where the coolant reservoir is located. Then simply make sure the coolant levels are where they need to be.
6. Inspect the Engine Air Filter: The engine air filter should be checked regularly to make sure there’s no debris clogging the filter. If it’s clogged or dirty, be sure to replace it
7. Use the Right Fuel: Each model has a recommended octane rating. Pay attention to this rating when filling up at the pump. Using a lower level octane fuel can cause a ‘knocking’ sound.
8. Inspect Light Bulbs: Being able to see at night and having others be able to see you is important. Routinely check each bulb and replace the ones that aren’t properly working.
9. Inspect the Windshield Wipers: There’s nothing worse than driving in bad weather conditions when your windshield wipers aren’t working properly to help you see. Learn how to check if your vehicle’s windshield wipers are working properly as well as how to replace them.
10. Keep Track of Maintenance: Whether this means writing down the last time you brought your model in for an oil change or when you last changed the bulbs, it’s important to keep track of when these tasks were completed so you can better manage future routine maintenance checks.

Stop On Top of Your Automotive Maintenance Schedule at Biggers Mazda

As you can see, our guide is a great way to stay on top of your automotive maintenance, and you can always trust our team to keep your vehicle running at its best on Palatine roads. Find more helpful automotive maintenance tips at Biggers Mazda with our growing service information hub and see how you can save on your next visit with our rotating service coupons and specials. You can even order OEM parts for sale online and have them ready for your appointment. Contact us today for more information on your automotive maintenance schedule or stop by our dealership here in Elgin!