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Car maintenance is not usually the top priority for most college students, but keeping up with it is crucial in ensuring their vehicle remains reliable and safe throughout the school year. Whether you’re a college student or a parent, understanding the basics of car maintenance can decrease the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. Maintaining routine maintenance doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming, thanks to McCullough NAPA’s 30k/60k/90k mile maintenance plans. By following simple car maintenance tips, college students can enjoy a smoother, safer driving experience, and their parents can enjoy increased peace of mind.
Let’s Talk Tires
Tires are among the most critical components of your car. They are the only part of your vehicle that comes in contact with the road. Tires impact fuel efficiency, handling, and overall safety. Proper tire care involves maintaining the right tire pressure, ensuring correct alignment, rotating the tires regularly, and replacing them when necessary. Neglecting these aspects can lead to reduced performance, increased fuel consumption, and dangerous driving conditions.
Tire Pressure
Maintaining the correct tire pressure improves gas mileage, provides better handling, and extends the life of the tires. Low tire pressure can cause increased friction, leading to overheating and potentially a blowout. On the other hand, over-inflated tires can lead to a harsh ride and uneven tire wear. Check your car’s manual or the sticker inside the driver’s door for the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch). Make it a habit to check your tire pressure monthly and before long trips (like before back home). Don’t ignore the warning lights on your dashboard either– they help you maintain your vehicle’s safety.
Tire Alignment
Tire alignment helps maintain even tire wear and helps ensure your car handles properly. Misaligned tires can cause your vehicle to pull to one side, leading to uneven tread wear and potentially damaging the suspension and other components. Common signs of misalignment include uneven tire wear, a crooked steering wheel when driving straight, and pulling to one side. It’s generally recommended to check your tire alignment every 6,000 miles or if you notice any of these symptoms.
Tire Rotation
Rotating your tires involves moving them from one position to another on the vehicle, ensuring even wear across all tires. This process helps maintain wear, balances handling and traction, and extends the lifespan of your tires. Typically, it’s recommended to rotate your tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles or as advised in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Without regular rotations, your tires may wear unevenly, reducing their effectiveness and potentially leading to costly replacements sooner than necessary.
Tire Replacement
Bald tires are not only illegal but extremely dangerous. Worn-out tires significantly reduce traction, especially on wet or slippery roads. This increases the risk of skidding and accidents. The penny test is a simple way to check tire tread depth. Insert a penny into the tire tread with Lincoln’s head upside down. If you can see the top of his head, it’s time to replace the tires. Good tire tread ensures better grip and safer driving conditions, so don’t delay replacing worn-out tires.
Oil Changes
Oil changes are one of the simplest yet most essential maintenance tasks for keeping your car running smoothly. Fresh oil lubricates the engine components, preventing friction and wear while also helping to keep the engine clean by carrying away dirt and debris. Over time, oil breaks down and becomes less effective. This oil will ‘gunk up’ and, if left unchanged, can lead to potential engine damage and decreased performance.
Regular oil changes, typically every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or as recommended by the manufacturer, are essential. McCullough NAPA Auto Care offers 30k/60k/90k mile maintenance plans that include oil changes, helping you stay on top of this crucial service.
Filter Changes
Your car has several filters that need regular replacement to ensure optimal performance. Here’s a quick rundown of the four primary filters:
- Engine Air Filter: This keeps dust and debris from entering the engine. It should be replaced every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. A clogged engine air filter can reduce engine performance and fuel efficiency.
- Cabin Air Filter: This filter cleans the air entering the car’s cabin. It should be replaced every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. A dirty cabin air filter can affect HVAC performance and air quality inside the vehicle.
- Fuel Filter: This removes impurities from the fuel. It should be replaced every 20,000 to 40,000 miles. A clogged fuel filter can cause poor engine performance and difficulty starting the car.
- Oil Filter: This removes contaminants from engine oil. It should be replaced with every oil change. A clogged oil filter can lead to dirty oil circulating through the engine, causing wear and damage.
Learn How To Jump a Car
It’s not hard to keep jumper cables in your trunk. At some point, you or someone you know will likely need a jump start. Learning how to jump a car is a valuable skill that can save you from being stranded. Perform research and have a family discussion on the proper procedure for jump-starting a vehicle to avoid damaging the electrical system.
Understand Your Insurance Plan
While you don’t need to memorize every detail of your insurance policy, knowing where your registration and insurance cards are stored in your car is a must. In the event of an accident or emergency, having these documents readily available is essential. Ensure you know what phone numbers to call and the details you need for your claims.
Preventative Mile Maintenance Plans with McCullough NAPA Auto Care
Keeping a routine maintenance schedule is a healthy idea for maintaining your car. McCullough NAPA Auto Care offers comprehensive 30k/60k/90k mile maintenance plans designed to cover all the necessary preventative services at manufacturer-recommended intervals. Regular maintenance enhances your car’s longevity and provides peace of mind for college students and their parents.
By following these car maintenance tips, college students and their families can better ensure their vehicles remain reliable. Scheduled and preventative maintenance is key to a hassle-free driving experience, allowing students to focus on their studies and enjoy their time on the road. Contact McCullough NAPA Auto Care today to schedule your preventative maintenance plan and keep your car running smoothly all year.
