Helpful Tips
Here are 10 genuinely helpful, practical car-maintenance tips that reduce breakdowns and help you avoid needing a tow or roadside assistance.
Check Your Oil Regularly. Low or dirty oil is one of the biggest causes of engine wear and overheating.
- Check every 1-2 months
- Top off when low
- Change every 5,000-7,000 miles (or what your manual says)
Maintain Proper Tire Pressure. Under-inflated tires can cause blowouts, poor fuel economy, and uneven wear.
- Check at least once per month
- Use the PSI listed on the door jamb
- Don’t rely on visual inspection, tire can look normal and still be low
Inspect Tire Tread Wear. Worn tread reduces traction and increases blowout risk.
- Use the penny test
- Replace tires when tread is below 2/32 inches
- Rotate tires every 5,000-8,000 miles
Replace Your Battery Every 3-5 Years. Most roadside calls come from dead batteries.
- Have it tested annually
- Look for corrosion at the terminals
- Replace early if you drive mostly short trips (batteries charge slower)
Keep All Fluids Topped Off. Fluids directly prevent breakdowns.
- Coolant
- Transmission fluid
- Brake fluid
- Power steering fluid
- Windshield washer fluid
Stay Up to Date on filters. Air and fuel filters affect performance and cause stalling.
- Engine air filter: every 12,000-15,000 miles
- Cabin air filter: annually
- Fuel filter: depends on vehicle, often 30k-60k miles
Pay Attention to Warning Lights. Dashboard lights are early warnings that prevent costly breakdowns.
- Check engine light
- Battery light
- Temperature light
- Oil pressure light
Don’t ignore them-small issues become tow-truck issues if you wait.
Keep Your Brakes in Good Condition. Brake failure or grinding brakes often lead to emergency stops.
- Replace brake pads when they squeal or feel spongy
- Flush brake fluid every 2-3 years
- Vibrations when braking usually mean warped rotors
Replace Belts and Hoses Before They Fail. A broken belt = instant roadside breakdown.
- Serpentine belts typically last 60k-100k miles
- Look for cracks, glazing, or fraying
- Hoses shouldn’t be brittle, bulging, or leaking
Don’t Drive on Your Spare Tire for Longer Than Necessary.
- Typically, 50 – 60 mile maximum
- Avoid rough roads and pot holes if possible
- They do not perform like your normal tire
