5 preventive maintenance tasks for your car you shouldn't ignore
Would you like to drive with greater peace of mind and avoid unexpected repair expenses? The key is to incorporate a preventive maintenance routine for your vehicle. These periodic inspections allow you to identify potential issues early and keep your car operating at its best.
Here are five essential tasks that should be part of your maintenance routine.
1- Consult your Owner's Manual
Although it is often overlooked and forgotten, your owner's manual is one of the most important sources of information for taking care of your vehicle. It contains the manufacturer's specific recommendations regarding maintenance intervals, recommended fluids, technical specifications, and other key factors for your vehicle's proper operation. Following these guidelines can help prevent breakdowns and extend your vehicle lifespan. If you no longer have the printed manual, you can usually find a digital copy based on your vehicle's make, model, and year, or contact the manufacturer directly.
2- Check your tires regularly
Tire pressure and condition directly affect safety, performance, and fuel consumption. It is recommended to check tire pressure every four to six weeks and adjust it according to the manufacturer's specifications. Doing so will help improve tire performance and save fuel if you discover that the pressure is too low. You can use a PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) tire pressure gauge or visit any of our TotalEnergies’ service stations to check and adjust your tire pressure. In addition, regularly inspect your tires to ensure they have sufficient tread depth and no more than approximately 2 millimeters of wear. Finally, have your tires aligned and balanced at a specialized service center.
3- Replace the engine air filter
The engine air filter prevents dust and other particles from entering the engine. Over time, it can accumulate dirt and reduce the system's efficiency. Accessing the engine air filter may be more difficult depending on your vehicle, but replacing it regularly is important. Your owner's manual will specify how many miles you can drive before the filter should be replaced, but if you are able to inspect it yourself, check its condition periodically. If it appears dirty, replace it. If you drive frequently, the engine air filter may become dirty more quickly and should be inspected more often.
4- Learn about and regularly check fluid levels
Vehicle fluids are essential for proper operation. These include engine oil, coolant (antifreeze), brake fluid, windshield washer fluid, and transmission fluid, depending on the vehicle model. You do not necessarily need to know how to replace or refill these fluids yourself, but it is important to understand how to check their levels. In some cases, the fluid level can be viewed directly through the reservoir, but most vehicles have dipsticks or gauges that can be used to verify current levels. This will allow you to identify potential leaks or low fluid levels before they become major problems.
5- Check the battery and keep the terminals clean
Modern batteries require very little maintenance, but they should still be inspected periodically for signs of corrosion, leaks, or loose connections. If you notice buildup or corrosion on the battery terminals, clean them using a battery terminal brush. Additionally, having a basic battery tester or a portable jump starter can help you respond quickly to unexpected situations and avoid inconvenience on the road.