Everyone knows that cars are expensive. It should really be no surprise, given that there are so many different components involved that need to be operating in sync with each other to make a vehicle safe and efficient. Covering just the basics means getting an oil change, checking the fuel filters to see if they are jammed, changing the spark plugs, and keeping an eye on the power steering and alignment.

Aside from the basics there are so many different issues that can pop up in a vehicle that makes it either difficult to drive or simply unfit for the road. In the interest of saving money, here are some tips on how to keep a vehicle running well without spending more than 5K on maintenance.

Preventative Work is Important

Some common preventative maintenance jobs include:
Checking the Oil Level -

This is a simple job that should be done every couple months. When the car is off, open the hood and look for the dipstick. Pull the dipstick out of the engine and clean it off. Then place the dipstick back into the engine as far as it can go. Pull it out, and take notice of where the oil lines are on either side. That is how full the engine is with oil and should give a good indicator of how soon to get an oil change.

Check the Coolant and Radiator Fluid -

This is a two or three step procedure that should be done every month or so. Simply find the radiator cap under the hood of the car, remove it, and check the level of coolant. After doing so, it’s advisable to also check the coolant overflow tank. These are relatively specific features unique to certain brands, so don’t be alarmed if the car does not have an overflow tank. The cap is usually much smaller than the radiator cap. There should be a little bit of coolant in the tank, as the coolant expands into this area when the car get’s super hot. It is a bad sign if the overflow tank is full of coolant but the radiator tank is close to empty. However, staying up to date on these levels and adjusting when necessary will keep the car in good condition.

Don’t Forget Tire Pressure -

This is one of those surprising tasks that many people forget about. They only realize once the tire is almost completely deflated and they need to call a tow-truck. These surprise visits to a garage add up over the years, and in most cases can be avoided by diligent maintenance. All one needs to check tire pressure is a tire pressure gauge and the car’s owner manual. Before testing for tire pressure, check the owner's manual for the PSI (pounds per square inch). Each car comes with a pressure recommendation for the tires. Remove the end caps on each tire valve, place it inside the gauge valve, and press down quickly on the gauge valve to get a reading. Then add or subtract air as required to bring it as close to the PSI reading as possible. These are all relatively quick tasks that will prevent any surprises from popping up. They should be done in combination with consistent trips to a car mechanic in Longmont for oil changes, Longmont Air Conditioning Service, and other general maintenance work.