10 Automotive Maintenance Tips Every Driver Should Know

Keeping up with routine maintenance is important to extending the life of your car. For the most part, routine maintenance should be done in a service center, but there are some service tasks drivers can complete at home. We’ve put together a list of ten automatic maintenance tips to help you keep your car in great shape. Read on for more tips you should know as a car owner in the Alexandria area. 

Tips for Keeping Your Car 

1. Know Your Owner’s Manual: Your owner’s manual is your guide to your car’s automotive maintenance schedule, manufacturer-recommended fluids, parts, and more. 
2. Regularly Check Your Vehicle: Refer to your owner’s manual to learn more about possible issues you should be able to spot. It’ll tell you how to identify signs of leaks, flat tires, and more. 
3. Check Your Tires: Get yourself a tire pressure gauge. This tool makes it easier to keep tabs on your car’s tire pressure. Test them to make sure they’re at the recommended levels. You can also use a penny to check the tread depths on your tires. Place the penny between the treads of the tire with Lincoln’s head facing down; if you can see all of Lincoln’s head, the tire needs to be replaced.
4. Inspect the Engine Oil Level: Engine oil reduces friction, overheating, and excessive engine wear. Using the owner’s manual, you can find the dipstick and check the oil levels on your own. Be sure to check the color of the oil. A darker color indicates a change is needed.
5. Check the Engine Coolant: Find out where the coolant reservoir is located using your owner’s manual. Make sure the coolant level is sufficient. 
6. Inspect the Engine Air Filter: The engine air filter should be inspected to ensure there’s no dust or dirt in the filter. Eventually, the filter will need to be replaced. 
7. Use the Right Fuel: There’s a recommended octane rating for every model. Using a lower level octane fuel can cause a ‘knocking’ sound, so it’s important to know what the recommended rating is for your car.
8. Inspect Light Bulbs: Being able to see at night and having others be able to see you is important. Routinely check each bulb and replace the ones that aren’t properly working.
9. Inspect the Windshield Wipers: Driving in bad weather conditions when your windshield wipers aren’t working is stressful and extremely dangerous. Make sure to check your wipers periodically and replace them as necessary. 
10. Keep Track of Maintenance: Do so in whatever way works best for you, but keep a running log of your car’s maintenance services.

Schedule Service at Alexandria Volkswagen

If you need help keeping your vehicle in good shape, Alexandria Volkswagen is your source for expert auto care. Contact us online or give us a call at 703-684-8888 to learn more about our service menu. If your car’s due for maintenance, schedule a service appointment at our service center using our online scheduler. Be sure to browse our service and parts specials for opportunities to save during your next service visit.