Frequently Neglected Warning Signs of an Aging Car

A car is worth maintaining because a well-maintained car will not only keep you safe but will also make it easy for you to hold its value much better than a neglected car. While you may not always get a heads up to every problem it can have, paying attention to early signs that issues are lurking underneath can help prevent you from added frustrations and costs in repairs.

Skipping oil changes

Depending on the recommendations of your car’s manufacturer, it may no longer be necessary to get an oil change every 3,000 miles. While this means spending less time and money with the mechanic, it doesn’t mean oil changes can be skipped.

To be effective, motor oil can’t be too old because it will break down. This can lead to sludge deposits in your engine, which can damage parts. Having your oil changed regularly will help maximize the life of your engine.

Fluid checks

It’s a common misconception that motor oil is the only fluid in the car that needs to be checked and changed. Motor oil indeed is one of the more critical fluids in your car, but there are many other fluids in the car that should be checked, exchanged, and/or topped off.

Brake fluid, transmission fluid, engine coolant, and power steering fluid should all be checked and serviced as recommended by your car’s manufacturer. Doing this helps to avoid leaks and keep your car operating properly.

The brakes

Brakes are arguably the most important part of your car. Brakes are something we often overlook because they don’t require much routine maintenance. However, brake pads are a wear item, meaning a small amount is used up every time you push down the brake pedal.

Pay attention to any changes in the sounds you hear when applying the brakes. Some noise is normal from disc brakes, but loud squealing or grinding is not. A pulsing feeling in the pedal or shaking in the steering wheel can indicate a warped brake rotor. If there are more serious problems in your car, you may call the Car Wreckers Albany for inspection. Brake pads often have a metal tab that will create a high-pitch squeal when the pads need to be changed.

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