Your car is your second home. It’s where you spend most of your time and one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. It is important to keep an eye on it, but sometimes knowing what to look for can be tricky. That’s why we’ve put together this auto owner checklist of things that every car owner should know:
Locate the problem.
Many things can go wrong with your car, but knowing where to look for each one is important. For example, if you’re having trouble with your brakes or power steering, check those fluids first. It’s also important to keep an eye on the oil level–if it gets too low, that could cause engine damage!
Check your dash lights.
It’s important to look for a code because it can tell you what’s wrong with your car.
To check for a code:
- Check the warning lights on your dashboard. If they’re on, there may be an issue with one or more systems in your vehicle that needs attention.
- Look at the engine light as well; this will tell you if there’s something wrong with one of its systems–like oil pressure or temperature gauges–and help identify which component is causing issues with your ride.
Check the battery.
You can check the state of your car’s battery with a voltmeter. The voltage should be between 12 and 14 volts for most cars, but you’ll need to check your owner’s manual for specific information. If it falls below 10 volts, you have a problem that needs to be addressed immediately; if it goes above 16 volts, there may be something wrong with the alternator or starter solenoid (which regulates how much current flows from the alternator).
Check your alternator.
If your alternator fails, it can cause a variety of problems. The most obvious sign is that your car will stop running. But you may also notice that the battery light comes on when you start the engine and stays on even after you start driving. You may also hear an annoying clicking sound from under the hood or in the engine compartment.
Make sure the fuel filter is clean and clear of debris.
The fuel filter is the most important part of your car’s engine. It keeps contaminants out of the fuel system, which can cause damage to the engine and other parts of your vehicle.
Clean or replace air filters as necessary.
You should replace your air filter once a year or every 20,000 miles. You can check if your car’s air filter needs replacing by looking at the owner’s manual, which will tell you how often to change it, or by popping open the hood and checking for a sticker with instructions on when to replace it.
This is because dirty or clogged air filters reduce engine performance by allowing dirt particles into the engine, which reduces its efficiency and sometimes even causes damage over time if not addressed quickly enough.
Keeping an eye on your engine is an important part of car care!
Keeping an eye on your engine is an important part of car care! It’s easy to forget how much work goes into keeping your vehicle running smoothly, but if you want to ensure that it lasts as long as possible, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Conclusion
If you’re worried about your car, don’t be! The best thing to do is to check it and ensure everything works properly. If you have any questions or concerns about what might be wrong with your vehicle, contact Stroebel Automotive to request your appointment.