Over 232 million drivers hit the road each year for picking up groceries, shuttling kids to soccer practices, and vacationing somewhere warm. With all that travel, prioritizing maintenance is a big deal. You don’t want to be stuck without help while the sun is blazing hot and your water is getting low.
While some will work with car shipping companies to get their favorite rides from point A to point B, it helps to be prepared, so when you hit the road, the only thing to worry about is who’s in charge of the radio.
Here are the top tips for maintaining your vehicle and staying safe on the road, including finding the best auto transport services if you prefer going that route.
Mastering the Basics: Essential Car Maintenance Tasks Every Driver Should Prioritize
The first tip is all about vehicle maintenance. A well-maintained car is a safe vehicle. While you don’t need to know how to rebuild an engine, there are some essentials you should pick up so your car is always ready to go.
#1 – Regular Oil Changes
Oil allows your vehicle’s engine to run smoothly and not overheat. All the mechanisms remain lubricated, but you must change the oil so no sludge or debris builds up and causes damage.
To prevent engine wear and keep your fuel economy running efficiently, you should change your oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (depending on driving habits and type of oil). You can schedule an oil change with any local mechanic shop, express lube center, or go the DIY route. Plenty of YouTube videos from experts will give you all you need to know.
#2 – Tire Maintenance
No vehicle goes anywhere without durable tires that handle local weather conditions and braking. You also want modern wheels that add to fuel efficiency.
The easiest way to check your tires is to test the air pressure monthly. You can confirm the PSI by looking inside your driver’s side door. There will be a rating for the front and rear wheels somewhere in the 28-38 PSI range.
You should also schedule a tire rotation and balancing every 6,000 to 8,000 miles (save time by pairing this with an oil change). Every year, you need to get your wheels aligned. All these efforts reduce the risk of blowouts and improve traction when it’s icy or wet outside. Don’t forget to check the spare while you’re at it!
#3 – Brake Service
Speaking of smooth rides, your brakes need attention. Regular inspections and awareness of early warning signs will help you avoid rear-ending the driver on their phone or spooking the pet wandering the road.
When you schedule brake service, you want them to check brake pads, rotors, and fluid. Let the service workers know if you’ve heard squealing or grinding in the past, including vibrations or if it takes longer to come to a complete stop.
Taking chances with your brake service is not a good idea. When your brakes fail, the risk of a serious accident increases. You should also have the mechanic or service depot look at your brake lights, just in case.
#4 – Battery Testing & Replacement
Your car battery runs everything from the tablet charger your kids need to watch their favorite shows to the startup system that gets your car on the road. Whenever the battery is too weak, your vehicle will not start, leaving you stranded.
Most batteries last 3 to 5 years, but that lifespan depends on the temperature of your location, how you drive, and whether your vehicle has a lot of dependent electrical systems. You can swing by most auto shops and dealerships for a quick battery test. Do this before any long trips or seasonal transitions, and before you work with transport carriers.
#5 – Fluid Checks and Top-offs
Like the human body needs hydration, a vehicle relies on many essential fluids to maintain operations. Over time, these fluids will deplete or become contaminated from regular wear and tear.
With any auto checkup, you can schedule a fluid check for engine oil, coolant/antifreeze, transmission fluid, brake fluid, windshield washer, and power steering fluid. If you prefer the DIY solution, there are dipsticks and easy visual checks for most of these fluids.
The better you maintain the correct fluid levels, the less chance your car overheats, parts corrode, or mechanisms break down. The recommendation most mechanics follow is to check fluids with each oil change.
#6 – Navigating the Road: Tips for Choosing the Best Auto Transport Services
The best auto transport services are a great way to ensure your vehicle remains in top shape as you travel longer distances, sell your vehicle to a buyer, or move from one side of the country to the other. Many people in the military, or considered “snowbirds,” rely on a service for car pickup and delivery to save time and stress.
The logistics of car shipping are much more straightforward than you may think. If you’re in the market for a quick quote or estimate from good car shipping companies, consider:
- Do they offer door-to-door shipping for your convenience (that you can choose)?
- Does the provider have both open and enclosed transport options if you want added protection?
- Is the company experienced, and will they provide certification (licenses, bonded, insured)?
- Are there reliable and authentic online customer reviews?
- Will the car shipping company answer all your questions clearly?
Extra Auto Services and Concerns About Your Vehicle
Financial Savvy on the Road: Budgeting for Regular Vehicle Maintenance
Quality car maintenance shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg. Instead of expensive parts, you want to focus on consistency. Budget for your maintenance based on a regular schedule of monthly, quarterly, and annual checkups for oil, tires, fluids, and battery checks.
The goal is to be proactive more than reactive. The earlier you can address any issues, the lower the cost of repairs. You may want to utilize mobile applications like Carfax Car Care to track your vehicle history and maintenance needs.
Road-Ready Mindset: Mental Preparation for Safe and Efficient Driving
Car maintenance is also a mindset. Knowing your road habits is just as important as checking the tire tread. Practice defensive driving by staying alert, keeping a safe distance, and removing distractions (cell phone, loud music, vaping, etc.).
Rest up before taking a long trip and know your limits. If you’re impaired in any way, you should pause and give yourself time before getting behind the wheel. That is why many consumers choose the best auto transport services, so they can rest and relax while someone else gets their vehicle safely to its destination.
Staying Informed: Leveraging Resources for the Latest in Automotive Care
Vehicle maintenance is also about staying up to date on new technologies and tools that may help you drive with confidence. Be sure to subscribe to top advocacy sites like AAA or Edmunds. That’s where you’ll hear about recalls or safety notices that may apply to your make, model, and year.
There are fantastic automations available for sensing tire pressure or using dash cams to avoid blind spots. You can learn more about what tech may be just around the corner on Reddit and brand-specific Facebook groups. You never know when a fellow vehicle owner offers insight that will make driving so much safer for you and your family.
Your Car Deserves Care and So Do You
Owning a vehicle is one of the most freeing privileges you can enjoy, but it does come with some responsibility. Do your best to keep your vehicle in the best shape possible so when you hit the road, you don’t have to worry about failing brakes or the engine overheating. Not only will that reduce risk, but it will also extend your auto’s lifespan and its resale value.
