Your car plays a vital role in your daily life. It moves you to and from work every day, enabling you to get there on time, earn your wage, and go home to your family without any problems. It ferries your family and loved ones to places and events where they can relax and enjoy time with you. It hauls your everyday needs, from your regular grocery shopping list, to whatever it is you can fit in the backseat or the trunk. That’s why it is also essential to take care of your reliable workhorse. Sure, you make it to your mechanic for regular oil change and inspections. But the following steps are simple DIY checks that you can do to help you avoid any problems while you’re driving.
Do a Visual Check of the Car’s Exterior
Your vehicle has been a part of your life for years now; surely, you’re familiar with every part of it by heart. Before you start driving, do a visual check of your vehicle, taking time to go around it a couple of times to check if there’s something off. Aside from the usual dings and dents, you’ll notice if one side’s lower than the other side, or if there’s a crack in the windows or the windshield that needs attention immediately. You’ll also notice any buildup of liquid underneath, which could mean that there’s a leak underneath that you need to address. If you notice any of the above, don’t hesitate to bring your car to your trusted mechanic if you don’t know how to fix it yourself.
Check the Tires
One part that doesn’t get the attention it truly deserves is the tires. Most drivers are concerned with the body paint, the lights, and other aspects that affect its aesthetics. The tires, on the other hand, are only noticed when they’re finally damaged or close to it. Unless one of your tires are blown, you barely inspect it aside from the regular refill of air. Make it a daily habit to check the tires for its thickness, or any unusual rub that causes bald spots. This can prematurely cause wear on the rubber, making it susceptible to getting pierced or punctured. The tires are large and quite hard to miss, so a quick visual inspection daily would help you avoid problems in the future.
Inspect the Springs and the Brakes
Your brakes are typically checked as a part of a maintenance package, along with your oils, tires, and more. But to be sure, you can include it to the parts you regularly inspect on your own. Just shine a light on the brakes and try to discern if the brake pads are still thick. Aside from the brakes, you should also inspect the springs and see any signs of wear. These springs are crucial in your car’s suspension, as they absorb the shock so that you and your passengers won’t feel anything damaging. Unfortunately, these parts get worn after several years, so when you’re driving an older car, make sure to check the springs as well. If you need replacement, check for torsion springs in Texas that’s made precisely for your vehicle’s make and model.
