We all know about the importance of checking the oil level and tire pressure to keep our car running smoothly all the time. But as it turns out, there are certain parts of our car that we often overlook in terms of maintenance. Find out if you’ve checked any of these parts recently!
Belts and Hoses
You need to check the internal mechanics of your car regularly, lest a minor issue cascades into a major problem. For instance, have you checked your drive belt? Also known as the serpentine belt, it is an essential part of your car as it keeps everything in your car that relies on mechanical power running. These are the car’s alternator, air conditioning compressor, power steering pump, air pump, and water pump, among others. Drive belts are usually made of rubber or polymer, so they can be flexible but unfortunately, these types of materials lose their integrity and degrade over time.
Check the position of the belt—it should be firm and not loose. Inspect the belt for the following: hairline cracks, ruptures, and other types of wear and tear. Refer to your manufacturer’s recommendation on the best time to replace the belts. Generally, you should replace your serpentine belt every 40,000 miles and your timing belt every 60,000 miles, but these are only guidelines. You may need to replace them sooner or later, depending on use and other factors. The rule of thumb is to replace your belt before they fail, because damaged belts can ruin other accessories in your car and make repairs way more expensive.
Of course, you should also check out the hoses and make sure they’re free from cracks, bulges, and any other signs of damage. If you do need to replace your belts or hoses, head over to an expert Subaru dealer near Redmond OR to get the best tips and tricks.
Battery
Another often overlooked vehicle component is the battery. Your battery supplies the starter, engine, and other electronic accessories in your car. You’ll want to check your battery especially during the months of extreme temperatures as it affects the battery’s performance and may drain it. One telltale sign that your car battery is about to die is when the engine cranks but doesn’t start when you turn the key.
Windshield Wipers
Ideally, you should replace your windshield wipers about once a year. If this sounds like something of a bother, then you should follow this maintenance tips from an insider at a Subaru dealer serving the Portland OR area. They say that when not in use, you should pull your wipers away from the windshield. In winter months, the cold can freeze your wipers faster when it’s in contact with the glass. The same goes for hot summer days: the heat from the glass can leave your wipers dry and cracked. Change your wipers whenever effectiveness is compromised, your windshield and your sanity will thank you!
If you’re not someone who is naturally diligent on maintenance, make use of this digital era to help you. Nowadays, there are apps that you can use to track your car maintenance for both Android and iOS. You can track your car’s mileage and repairs as well as enable notifications so you’ll know exactly when you should perform the next maintenance or when to take it in for a service. Check out Subaru of Bend near Eugene OR, a premier retailer of new and used Subaru vehicles.
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