Everyone dreads when their car breaks down. This is a cost that most people do not have in their monthly budget. Worse still, the costs can be very high. But we need our cars so what are we going to do? If we keep up on the monthly maintenance of the car, we can reduce and delay expensive car expenses. Also, when it is time.to trade in your car at the dealership, Kolosso Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram , you oftentimes get for for.your trade in because the car is better maintained.
Check the Fluids: Checking the things like the oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid and steering fluid are important. All of these things keep the working parts of your car working at their best and avoiding wear and tear. When these fluids are dirty or old, the parts break down more quickly and then leads to costly repairs.
Check the Hoses: Old hoses that lead to and from the radiator, as well as loose clamps, can cause a coolant leak. When the coolant leaks out, the car can overheat and cause many costly repairs. For older cars, some of the repairs can cost more than the car is worth. Checking the hoses means you can find the issues before it starts and avoid the problem.
Check the Car’s Belts: If you notice that the car has started to make shrieking or squealing sounds when you press on the gas, chances are that the belts are either too loose. The belts will either need to be tightened or replaced. A broken belt can be very expensive. It costs much more than just the cost of replacing the belt. By checking the belts on a monthly basis, and replacing belts as needed, you can avoid a major repair bill.
Check your Car’s Engine for Leaks: The fluids in your car should not leave your car, with the exception of gas and window washer fluid. While the fluid gets dirty, it doesn’t get use up. If it is getting used up, or getting low, that is a sign a possible leak. The best way to check for leaks is to first know what fluids you have in your car. This goes back to the first point of checking your fluids. Many leaks can be seen just by opening the hood to look.
After checking under the hood, look under the car. Look for wet areas or drips that might still be on the undercarriage of the car or on the ground.
You don’t have to actually know what type of liquid you see to know it is a leak. Although there is a simple way to know. Sticky green fluid is coolant. Watery liquid with a blue hue is windshield wiper fluid. A honey or dark colored fluid that seems greasy is engine oil. A thick honey or dark colored fluid that smells like chestnuts is gear oil. Brake fluid is very slippery and is the color of a clear or yellowish color. A reddish fluid is either power steering or transmission fluid. Gas doesn’t stay on the ground. It evaporates but can still be smelled.
Each month you should also check the head lights, turn signals and brakes. While these are not costly repairs, they are important things to make sure are working on your car.
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