Maintaining your car may seem like a daunting, time-consuming task; however, simple maintenance tasks can prevent costly repairs. You don’t have to be a mechanic to keep your car in good condition. There are simple things you can do to prevent major problems in the future. Here are three items that you should regularly check on your car to keep it running well.

1. Engine Oil

The engine oil might just be the most important thing in your vehicle. Oil keeps all moving parts lubricated and reduces friction. Oil also cleans the engine by preventing sludge from building up inside. Most of the engines on newer cars are built so well that they don’t need any additional oil between regular oil changes. However, it’s wise to regularly check your oil to make sure the level is correct. In addition to needing enough oil, your car needs clean oil. Change the oil according to the car’s owner’s manual, which is generally around 5,000 to 7,500 miles.

2. Tires

There are two important functions to check on your tires: air pressure and tread. Even though most newer vehicles have a warning light that illuminates once your tire pressure is low, you might want to purchase a tire pressure gauge. Your owner’s manual should indicate the correct tire pressure. It’s a good idea to check your tires quarterly to ensure accurate air pressure.

The tire tread should also be maintained at a depth more than 2/32 of an inch. Instead of using a ruler to check, insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head facing towards you and head down. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, you need to replace your tires.

3. Exterior

If you’ve been involved in a minor fender bender or your car has been pelted during a hailstorm, it’s important to check the exterior of your vehicle for dents. Even minor dents can lead to future problems such as flaking paint and rusting. Current auto dent removal Lakewood CO techniques make it easier than ever to remove dents from a vehicle and restore it to good condition.

Car maintenance doesn’t need to be difficult or costly. Follow these simple tips to keep your vehicle looking and running well.