As a car owner, you know that regular maintenance is essential for keeping your vehicle in top condition. While most of us tend to focus on tire inspections, oil changes, and brake replacements, we often overlook another critical aspect of car care: checking and changing the filters and fluids in our vehicles.
Your vehicle has several fluids, including engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and coolant. These fluids are vital in keeping your vehicle running smoothly. Without these fluids, your car overheats, seizes, or suffers severe damage. Regularly check these fluids and change them according to your vehicle’s manufacturer’s recommendations.
Many people underestimate the importance of checking and changing their vehicle’s filters. Filters protect your car’s systems from dirt, debris, and other contaminants. For example, your engine air filter prevents dust, pollen, and other particles from clogging your engine and reducing its performance. Your cabin air filter keeps pollutants and allergens from entering your vehicle’s interior. Similarly, your oil filter prevents harmful particles from circulating in your engine oil and causing damage. Neglecting to change your filters can cause your car’s systems to work harder, reducing fuel efficiency, diminishing power, and causing costly repairs.
Follow your manufacturer’s guidelines when checking and changing your vehicle’s fluids and filters; this means checking fluids every few months and changing them yearly or 15,000-30,000 miles, depending on the fluid. Filters should be checked and changed every 12,000-30,000 miles. Work with a trusted auto repair shop to check and change your car’s fluids and filters regularly.
Regular maintenance is essential for any vehicle owner, and one critical aspect of maintenance is checking and changing your car’s filters and fluids. Filters and fluids are vital in keeping your car running smoothly, maintaining your car’s systems, and extending your vehicle’s lifespan. If you’re unsure when to have your filters and fluids checked or changed, consult your vehicle’s manufacturer’s recommendations or work with a trusted auto repair shop. Regular maintenance can help you avoid costly repairs, save money, and keep your car operating efficiently for years.