A well-maintained car runs better, lasts longer, and helps you avoid frustration. However, there are some tasks that far too many drivers forget. Here are five of the most overlooked car maintenance tasks that can make a real difference in keeping your vehicle in top condition.
1. Checking and Replacing Spark Plugs
Spark plugs help ignite your engine’s fuel and air mixture. When they begin to wear out, it leads to poor performance and lower fuel efficiency. Many drivers overlook them until their vehicle misfires or refuses to start. Replacing your spark plugs at regular intervals can prevent more extensive engine issues.
Something every car owner should know about spark plugs is that corroded or worn-out plugs don’t deliver the same energy. Changing them can restore a smooth idle and improve gas mileage.
2. Flushing the Brake Fluid
Brake fluid doesn’t last forever. Over time, it absorbs moisture, reducing its effectiveness and potentially leading to brake failures. Skipping a brake fluid flush can also damage brake components such as calipers and master cylinders when rust and corrosion start to form.
3. Inspecting and Cleaning the Battery Terminals
Battery issues are one of the most common reasons for roadside breakdowns, but many people don’t give their battery a second thought until a warning light appears on their dashboard. Corroded terminals can interfere with the electrical connection, leading to difficulty starting the car or intermittent electrical failures.
A quick inspection and cleaning with a brush and baking soda solution keeps your battery reliable. Ignoring this simple maintenance can leave you stranded at the worst possible time.
4. Replacing Cabin Air Filters
Cabin air filters might not seem critical to your car’s performance, but they affect your driving experience. A clogged filter reduces airflow, strains the air conditioning or heating system, and may allow unpleasant smells to linger in your cabin. Replacing the filter regularly freshens the air inside and prevents stress on other parts of your HVAC system.
5. Rotating Your Tires
Rotating your tires at regular intervals evens out the amount of wear on each one, allowing each tire to last longer and perform more consistently. Skipping this step may force you to buy new tires more often or experience reduced traction while turning. Make rotation a habit, and inspect for tread depth and uneven wear.
Many drivers underestimate how small maintenance tasks impact their car’s performance and long-term costs. Addressing five of the most overlooked car maintenance tasks related to spark plugs, brake fluid, batteries, filters, and tires is worth the time and effort.
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