Whether it is a brand new car or an old clunker, all types of vehicles break down on a daily basis. Although certain car problems are unavoidable, there are other mechanical issues that can be prevented by properly caring for the vehicle. Here are a few things that can be done to minimize the risk of being stranded on the side of the road.

Maintain the car battery

Every car battery should have an expiration date stamped on it. Once that expiration date has been reached, the battery should be promptly replaced. Although many car batteries are labeled as being “maintenance-free”, the battery still needs to be inspected on a regular basis to prevent corrosion. When replacing the car battery, make sure that it has the recommended cranking power.

Inspect the coolant system

A cracked coolant hose or a leaking radiator can cause an engine to overheat in a matter of minutes. Routine inspection of the coolant system can certainly prevent problems. Always replace any worn out coolant hoses in a timely matter. The proper coolant level also needs to be maintained at all times. If the temperature gauge begins to rise beyond normal, be sure that the radiator fan is coming on.

Avoid running the gas tank near empty

Running out of gas is a very avoidable situation. Most fuel pumps use the fuel in the tank to stay cooled. This means that running the gas tank dry could cause the fuel pump to fail. Not only will a bad fuel pump make the vehicle inoperative, the cost of replacing some fuel pumps is very expensive.

Replace belts at the recommended intervals

All car belts will need to be replaced at some point. A broken alternator belt or serpentine belt could stop a vehicle dead in its tracks. If the belt starts to make squealing noises or exhibit a glossy appearance, it will likely need replacing in the near future.

Tire checkup

Maintaining the tires is one of the most important aspects of charlotte car care. At least once every two weeks, take the necessary time to check the pressure of each tire. Low pressure drastically reduces the longevity of a tire. If any odd tire wear patterns are noticed, the vehicle needs to be taken to an automotive specialist.

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