Stay on top of car maintenance checks

As adults, we often let things slide that we might not ignore when it comes to our children. So, once our children get behind the wheel of our cars, it’s essential that we stay on top of routine car maintenance issues and not let that oil change go an extra couple thousand miles or the brakes squeak an extra week. Doing so not only endangers us, but also our inexperienced teen driver.

Here are three reminders of some of the routine maintenance checks everyone should do:

1. Check your tire’s inflation monthly: In 2000, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics surveyed drivers about checking the air in their tires. Seventy-one percent of respondents indicated that they checked their air pressure less than once a month.
2. Use the manufacturer’s guidelines for oil changes: Check your owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s Web site for how frequently you should change your oil. Also remember to take into consideration how much stop-and-go driving you do, whether you drive in harsh conditions or if your vehicle is a high-mileage vehicle. Those factors may alter the normal maintenance schedule.
3. Inspect brakes at the first sign of trouble: Don’t wait until the little brake squeak sounds like a locomotive trying to stop. If you suspect any trouble with the brakes, have them checked by a professional immediately.