15 Car Maintenance Tasks You’re Doing All Wrong

Owning a car comes with the responsibility of proper maintenance to ensure its longevity, performance, and safety on the road. However, many car owners may unknowingly be performing certain maintenance tasks incorrectly, leading to potential issues down the line.

From engine care to tire maintenance, it’s essential to get these tasks right to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Here are 15 common car maintenance tasks that you might be doing all wrong.

Changing Engine Oil

Common Mistake: Many car owners either wait too long to change their engine oil or don’t use the correct type of oil for their vehicle.

Correct Approach: Regular oil changes are crucial for maintaining engine health. Refer to your car’s manual for the recommended oil change intervals and use the type of oil specified by the manufacturer. Additionally, make sure to replace the oil filter with every oil change to ensure optimal engine performance and longevity.

Checking Tire Pressure

Common Mistake: Failing to check tire pressure regularly or relying solely on visual inspection without using a tire pressure gauge.

Correct Approach: Check your tire pressure at least once a month and before long trips. Use a tire pressure gauge to accurately measure the pressure when the tires are cold. Refer to the recommended tire pressure listed in your car’s manual or on the sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb, and adjust as needed. Proper tire pressure not only improves fuel efficiency but also ensures safety and prolongs tire life.

Washing and Waxing

Common Mistake: Using dish soap or harsh chemicals for washing and neglecting to apply wax regularly.

Correct Approach: Use a pH-balanced car wash soap and microfiber mitt to gently clean your car’s exterior, ensuring to rinse thoroughly to avoid soap residue. After washing, apply a coat of high-quality car wax to protect the paint from environmental damage and maintain a glossy finish. Regular waxing helps prevent paint oxidation, UV damage, and water spots, keeping your car looking newer for longer.

Replacing Air Filters

Common Mistake: Neglecting to replace air filters regularly, leading to reduced engine performance and fuel efficiency.

Correct Approach: Check your car’s air filters, both engine air filters and cabin air filters, according to the manufacturer’s recommended intervals. A dirty or clogged air filter restricts airflow to the engine, causing it to work harder and reducing fuel efficiency. Replace air filters as needed to ensure proper engine function and maintain good air quality inside the cabin.

Brake Pad Inspection

Common Mistake: Neglecting to inspect brake pads regularly, leading to potential brake system failure and safety hazards.

Correct Approach: Regularly inspect your brake pads for signs of wear, such as thinning pads or squealing noises when braking. Replace brake pads as soon as they reach the manufacturer’s recommended thickness or if you notice any signs of wear. Properly functioning brakes are essential for vehicle safety, so ensure that your brake system is inspected regularly by a qualified mechanic.

Ignoring Warning Lights

Common Mistake: Disregarding warning lights on the dashboard, assuming they will go away on their own or are not serious.

Correct Approach: Take warning lights seriously and address them promptly. Warning lights indicate potential issues with your vehicle’s systems, such as engine, brakes, or transmission. Ignoring warning lights can lead to more significant problems and costly repairs down the line. When a warning light illuminates, consult your car’s manual or seek assistance from a qualified mechanic to diagnose and address the issue.

Battery Maintenance

Common Mistake: Neglecting battery maintenance until it fails, leaving you stranded with a dead battery.

Correct Approach: Regularly inspect your car’s battery for signs of corrosion, leaks, or loose connections. Clean the battery terminals and cable connections with a mixture of baking soda and water to remove corrosion and ensure good electrical contact. Additionally, check the battery’s fluid level if it’s not maintenance-free and top up with distilled water if necessary. Consider having your battery tested annually to assess its health and replace it as needed to avoid unexpected failures.

Overlooking Fluid Levels

Common Mistake: Failing to check and maintain essential fluid levels, such as engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and power steering fluid.

Correct Approach: Regularly check fluid levels according to your car’s maintenance schedule or at least once a month. Use the dipstick or sight glass for engine oil, coolant reservoir for coolant, and respective reservoirs for other fluids. Top up fluids as needed with the correct type and viscosity recommended by the manufacturer. Proper fluid levels ensure optimal performance, lubrication, and cooling of vital components, preventing costly damage and breakdowns.

Using Incorrect Fuel

Common Mistake: Using the wrong type of fuel, such as using regular unleaded fuel in a vehicle that requires premium gasoline.

Correct Approach: Refer to your car’s manual or the fuel recommendation sticker near the fuel filler cap to determine the correct fuel type for your vehicle. Using the wrong fuel can lead to engine knocking, reduced performance, and potential damage to engine components. Always use the fuel grade recommended by the manufacturer to ensure proper combustion and engine efficiency.

Belt and Hose Inspection

Common Mistake: Neglecting to inspect and replace worn or damaged belts and hoses, risking engine overheating, loss of power steering, or other critical failures.

Correct Approach: Regularly inspect belts and hoses for signs of wear, cracks, fraying, or leaks. Check the drive belts for proper tension and alignment and replace them if they show signs of wear or damage. Inspect coolant hoses for leaks, bulges, or soft spots and replace them if necessary. Proper belt and hose maintenance ensure reliable engine operation and prevent costly breakdowns on the road.

Neglecting Wheel Alignment

Common Mistake: Failing to check and correct wheel alignment regularly, leading to uneven tire wear, poor handling, and decreased fuel efficiency.

Correct Approach: Have your wheel alignment checked annually or whenever you notice signs of uneven tire wear, such as feathering or cupping. Proper wheel alignment ensures that all four wheels are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other, maximizing tire contact with the road surface. Correct alignment improves handling, steering response, and tire longevity, saving you money on premature tire replacements and fuel costs.

Incorrect Tire Rotation

Common Mistake: Neglecting to rotate tires regularly or performing tire rotations incorrectly, leading to uneven tire wear and reduced tire lifespan.

Correct Approach: Follow the tire rotation pattern recommended by your car’s manufacturer, typically rotating tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles or during regular maintenance intervals. Proper tire rotation ensures that tires wear evenly, extending their lifespan and improving overall vehicle performance. Front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive vehicles have different tire rotation patterns, so consult your car’s manual or a qualified mechanic for guidance.

Overlooking Suspension Maintenance

Common Mistake: Neglecting to maintain the suspension system, leading to poor handling, uneven tire wear, and reduced ride comfort.

Correct Approach: Regularly inspect the suspension components, including shocks, struts, springs, and control arms, for signs of wear, leaks, or damage. Replace worn or damaged components as needed to ensure proper suspension function and ride quality. Additionally, have the suspension system inspected and aligned if you notice excessive bouncing, drifting, or uneven tire wear. Proper suspension maintenance enhances vehicle stability, comfort, and safety on the road.

Cleaning the Interior

Common Mistake: Neglecting to clean and maintain the interior of your car, leading to dirt buildup, unpleasant odors, and deterioration of interior surfaces.

Correct Approach: Regularly clean the interior of your car, including vacuuming carpets and upholstery, wiping down surfaces with a mild cleaner, and using interior protectants to condition and preserve materials. Pay attention to areas prone to dirt and grime buildup, such as floor mats, cup holders, and air vents. Additionally, address spills and stains promptly to prevent permanent damage to interior surfaces. A clean and well-maintained interior enhances comfort, aesthetics, and resale value of your vehicle.

Ignoring Routine Inspections

Common Mistake: Failing to schedule and follow through with routine vehicle inspections, risking overlooked maintenance issues and potential safety hazards.

Correct Approach: Adhere to your car’s recommended maintenance schedule and schedule routine inspections with a qualified mechanic. Regular inspections allow for early detection and correction of potential issues before they escalate into costly repairs or safety concerns. Inspections typically include checks of brakes, suspension, steering, lights, fluid levels, and overall vehicle condition. By staying proactive with routine inspections, you can ensure the reliability, performance, and safety of your vehicle for years to come.