5 Things You Need to Check on Your Car Sooner Than You Think

Maintaining your car’s longevity is all about proactive care. While you might leave the big-ticket maintenance items to the professionals, there are essential checks you can easily handle every 1,000 to 3,000 miles. These regular checks are designed to catch issues early. By staying vigilant with these simple routines, you’ll keep your car running smoothly and avoid surprise problems down the line.

Regularly Check Your Tire Pressure

Keeping an eye on your tire pressure is a safety essential. You might not think to check your tires as often as you should, but consistent pressure checks are key to ensuring good handling, extending tire life, and promoting even wear.

Use a reliable tire gauge to measure the pressure against the PSI recommended in your car’s manual. This routine check, ideally done every 1,000 to 3,000 miles, can reveal slow leaks or punctures you might not otherwise notice.

Test Your Exterior Bulbs Regularly

Don’t wait for a dashboard alert to check your car’s exterior lights. Regularly testing these bulbs is important, not just for compliance, but for safety. Your car’s communication with other drivers depends heavily on functioning lights, whether it’s signaling a turn, a stop, or a reverse.

All you have to do is activate your hazard lights and take a walk around your car to make sure all bulbs, including turn signals, brake lights, reverse lights, and license plate lights, are working.

Inspect Belts and Hoses for Wear

Your car’s belts and hoses are pretty important, yet often overlooked components. They drive critical functions like the alternator, AC compressor, and water pump. Make it a point to inspect these parts every few thousand miles. Look for any signs of wear such as cracks, fraying, or leaks.

Catching these issues early can prevent more significant problems down the road, like unexpected breakdowns. Even if they’re not immediately visible, make a thorough check for peace of mind and continued reliable performance of your vehicle.

Check Your Engine Oil Level

Regularly checking your engine oil is important for keeping your car running smoothly. You might not need a full oil change every 1,000 to 3,000 miles, especially with newer models, but it’s a good practice to check the oil level and its condition.

All you have to do it pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, dip it back in, and check where the oil mark hits. If it’s low, top it up. Also, keep an eye out for any signs of contaminants like metal shavings or unusual color changes, which could signal serious engine issues.

Monitor Your Coolant Levels

While you’re under the hood, make a habit of checking your coolant levels. Even though coolant typically lasts a bit longer than engine oil, don’t overlook the possibility of leaks or evaporation, especially in older cars with plastic components that can crack.

Find the coolant reservoir—usually a clear tank with ‘min’ and ‘max’ lines—and make sure the coolant level is within these marks. Regular checks can prevent overheating and save you from bigger problems, like engine damage. If you find the coolant frequently low without visible leaks, you should probably take a closer look to rule out internal leaks or a failing head gasket.