10 Automotive Maintenance Tips Every Driver Should Know

Mechanic with clipboard for maintenance

Whether you’ve recently acquired a new or used vehicle, most Los Angeles drivers want it to last a long time. And with so many moving parts in a car, it can be intimidating to think about your automotive maintenance schedule. You should find a service center that you trust, but there are also simple things you can do yourself to maintain your vehicle and make sure it’s in good shape. Kia of Cerritos covers 10 automotive maintenance tips every driver should know below!

10 Automotive Maintenance Tips:

  1. Get to Know Your Owner’s Manual: At the top of our list is the ever-dependable owner’s manual, which will keep you informed about your vehicle specs, parts, and other essential components.
  2. Inspect the Vehicle: Keep an eye out for things like leaked fluids, tire tread problems, exterior issues, and other things that could go wrong and require repairs.
  3. Tire Inspections: Carson drivers can conduct two essential tire inspections easily: tire pressure and tread depth. For tire pressure, buy a pressure gauge and check it at the gas station. For tread depth, place a penny with Honest Abe’s head facing downwards. Once all of the head becomes visible, you’ll need new tires!
  4. Check Engine Oil Level: Another easy task: finding the dipstick and making sure your engine oil levels are up to snuff. You can also use this time to inspect oil for quality and know if you need an oil change.
  5. Check Engine Coolant: Your owner’s manual will tell you where your engine’s coolant reservoir is. You can easily replace the coolant if more is needed.
  6. Check Engine Air Filter: Your engine air filter keeps your engine parts clean. If you see that it’s dirty, you’ll need to replace it. Get the right parts with an OEM Kia parts department.
  7. Use Recommended Fuel: Every vehicle needs to use the fuel with the right octane rating. Make sure you’re using the right kind.
  8. Check 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. Check Windshield Wipers: If you’ve ever experienced problems with windshield wipers, you understand that it can be deeply unpleasant — even dangerous! Make sure all your wipers are working properly with help from the owner’s manual.
  10. Keep Track of Maintenance: Schedules like the Kia maintenance menu are incredibly helpful for Orange County drivers who want to get the right service at the right time on their automotive maintenance schedule, but your should also keep track of all maintenance tasks yourself, whether this includes oil changes or simple lightbulb replacements.

If you encounter problems with these tasks or find something wrong with your vehicle, schedule service and let an expert help you!

Learn More at Kia of Cerritos

At Kia of Cerritos, we’re all about helping Cerritos drivers stay on their automotive maintenance schedule and keep their vehicles in great shape. We’ve got tons of service tips to add to these 10 automotive maintenance tips on our website and we’re always open for consultation on maintenance tasks. Contact us today for informed, expert advice!

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