Nightmarish car problems and how to avoid them
It is easy to get complacent about your car when it’s working happily, but neglecting it over time can end up making your time together more horror story than love story. Here’s what you need to do:
CHECK YOUR TIRES
There is nothing worse than a flat tire as you walk to your car. Whether you're trying to take your kids to school or just trying to get home after a long day at work, a flat tire is one of those car problems no one wants to deal with.
The best way to make sure your tires are ready to drive is to check them regularly. Start by carefully inspecting the tread to see if there is any uneven wear. Check the inner and outer edges of the tread along the entire surface of the tire, as well as the center. Uneven wear is a sure sign that something is wrong and needs attention.
Also, use the old penny trick to check your tire tread. Insert a coin into the tread with Lincoln's head facing down. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head above the tread, the tread is worn and the tires should be replaced. During this process, check the air in your tires as cool weather can reduce air pressure, so your tires may need to be topped up.
HOW OLD IS THAT BATTERY?
If you turn the key or press the start button and nothing happens, you may have a dead battery. The colder the weather, the more likely it is that an old battery will fail, so make sure your battery is ready for winter rather than letting this be one of those car problems that catches you off guard. Use a voltmeter to check the battery, and if it's low, consider replacing it.
CHECK YOUR OIL
You should change your engine oil at the recommended maintenance intervals, but if you don't drive often, that doesn't mean you can leave old oil in your engine forever. Over time, oil becomes dirty and no longer performs its function.
If you're not sure when your oil was last changed, look at the oil on the dipstick. Clean motor oil is amber in color, but thick, dark motor oil is dirty and should be changed to avoid more serious car problems.
This is also a good time to check your filters. They also get dirty and should be replaced if they are old or you can see that they are full of dirt and grime.
Your car should put a smile on your face, not become a waking nightmare. By taking the time to perform some basic maintenance, you'll avoid serious car problems that would make for horror movies.
