Just like any other machine, vehicles need routine maintenance checks to ensure that they are running properly. Most vehicles receive their first maintenance check after the first 5,000 miles. These checks continue to happen at about every 5,000-10,000 miles after that. Having your vehicle checked is the best way to make sure that everything is running smoothly and efficiently. Having your vehicle looked at can get costly, so check out these basic maintenance tips to save yourself some money!
Brakes
No one likes to hear the sound of screeching brakes! That awful sound can indicate that your brakes are in need of maintenance or repair. When your brakes are squealing, it usually means it is time to get some new brake pads. That squealing sound is your current brakes rubbing against the rotor of your vehicle. Grinding isn’t typically a normal sound heard from your vehicle’s brakes, but if you do hear grinding, that means there is rust on your rotors from being parked in a moist area. The easiest fix for this is of course to have it repaired, then, make it a point to park your vehicle in a garage when its raining or snowing.
Battery
Battery corrosion is caused by environmental factors such as rain, snow, and dust. Your main objective to avoid build-up on your battery is keep all terminals free from corrosion. You can clean your vehicle’s battery by using a wire brush to gently scrub the outside of the battery. All you need is some baking soda diluted with warm water to knock the corrosion right off!
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Blades
If your windshield is covered in watermarks and streaks, it may be time for a new set of wiper blades. You definitely do not want to be stuck in a major rainstorm with weak wiper blades. If you can’t purchase new blades right away, you can wipe down your current blades with dish soap and a paper towel to hold you over for a few weeks.
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