| Regular preventative maintenance and upkeep | | | | the oil, and have any leaks repaired right |
| can prolong a vehicle's life, improve the | | | | away. It is also wise to ensure that the |
| resale value and keep routine problems from | | | | front of your radiator is not obstructed by |
| becoming significant ones. The owner's manual | | | | debris, which is one cause of overheating. Be |
| for your vehicle includes a maintenance | | | | attentive to the temperature gauge in your |
| schedule to guide you on the recommended | | | | vehicle, and stop right away if it ever rises |
| actions to take at specified mileage and | | | | uncharacteristically. Do not attempt to open |
| mileage intervals. Any vehicle will | | | | the reservoir until the engine has cooled, |
| eventually encounter mechanical issues, but | | | | and have your radiator checked before driving |
| you can prevent major problems and optimize | | | | the vehicle any further. |
| your car's performance by following the | | | | |
| maintenance schedule and performing basic | | | | If you have an automatic transmission, you |
| upkeep that is recommended for all vehicles. | | | | should also check the level and color of the |
| | | | transmission fluid regularly. If the level is |
| There is no substitute for having your oil | | | | low, there is likely a leak that should be |
| changed regularly. But it is also crucial to | | | | repaired. Again, keep an eye out for leaks |
| check the oil periodically between oil | | | | under your car. You should have the |
| changes, particularly if your vehicle has | | | | transmission fluid changed on regular |
| high mileage. The level and condition of the | | | | intervals as recommended by your vehicle's |
| oil will signify whether you should have it | | | | manual, and if it appears dark or dirty (as |
| changed sooner than scheduled or have your | | | | opposed to a clear reddish or brownish tint). |
| engine serviced. If the oil level is in the | | | | It is also important to consistently use the |
| low range, it is imperative that you have the | | | | type of fluid that is specified in your |
| oil changed right away, and it would be a | | | | vehicle owner's manual. |
| good idea to have the engine checked for | | | | |
| leaks. If the oil appears dark brown or | | | | Preventative maintenance is necessary to keep |
| black, as opposed to a reddish color, it is | | | | your car performing at its best and to |
| time for an oil change. Other signals that | | | | prolong its life. Keeping a detailed record |
| you should have your vehicle checked are oil | | | | of your vehicle's maintenance history is |
| leaks under the car, or a change in the oil | | | | helpful for trading or selling the vehicle in |
| pressure gauge. | | | | the future. While this guide serves as an |
| | | | outline of helpful suggestions, it is |
| Your vehicle's cooling system regulates the | | | | recommended to follow your vehicle's |
| engine's operating temperature, and | | | | maintenance schedule from the manufacturer |
| overheating can cause irreversible damage to | | | | and have any problems checked by a |
| an engine. Check the coolant level in your | | | | professional before they have time to |
| vehicle periodically, such as when you check | | | | escalate. |