FAQs About Car Maintenance

Car maintenance is often left to automotive professionals, but some car care is easy for the owner to perform. Oil changes and tire pressure checks are essential to the proper function of a car, so it is important that all car owners should know when and how to perform these basic tasks.

Q: When should you change the oil?

A: Many car manufacturers recommend that a car should receive an oil change every 3,000 miles for optimum performance and engine protection. Oil is the only element keeping metal engine parts from contacting each other; therefore, keeping the required level of quality oil in the engine system extends the engine life in most cases. When the oil is changed, they also recommended that you change the oil filter as well. Tiny pieces of engine parts and carbon from burning fuel can quickly contaminate the oil, and a clean filter helps ensure that the oil lasts between changes.

Q: When should you check the tire pressure?

A: Because tires do leak air at a small, but significant rate, it is smart to check the tire pressure once a month and before any long highway trip. Using a tire pressure gauge, push down over the valve stem. A stick with printed numbers pops out and indicates the pressure. If this number matches the pressure indicated in the owner's manual, the tire is properly inflated. If not, increase or decrease the pressure as needed to reach the required pressure. Do not forget to check the pressure of the spare tire as well; a spare is only good to a stranded driver if it is also properly inflated.