With the excitement and expense of a new car, finding a mechanic may be the last thing on your mind. At Ray’s Auto Service Inc., we can offer a full range of maintenance and repair services around Salem NH. We also understand that some routine maintenance can be done at home to help save money. That’s why we’ve put together this guide covering some of the basic car maintenance every new driver should know.
Information To Keep On Hand
Make sure you’re familiar with the following information about your vehicle:
- The year, make, and model.
- Your license plate number
- Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
You can usually find your VIN in two places:
- On the driver’s side dashboard, visible through the lower corner of the windshield.
- On the certification sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb.
Keep your vehicle title somewhere safe at home, such as a fireproof safe or filing cabinet. Avoid storing it inside your vehicle in case of theft. Your registration, however, should remain in your glove compartment so it’s always available when needed.
Oil Changes
Motor oil lubricates your engine’s moving parts, reducing friction and preventing premature wear.
If you plan on changing your oil yourself, remember that every vehicle requires a specific oil type and capacity. Check your owner’s manual to find the correct oil grade, such as 5W-30 or 5W-40, along with the amount your engine requires.
Most vehicles should have their oil changed every 5,000 to 7,000 miles or every six months, whichever comes first. Always follow your manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule.
Pay attention to your vehicle’s maintenance reminder or oil life monitor. If your oil pressure warning light comes on, stop driving as soon as it’s safe to do so and have the vehicle inspected immediately.
Replacing Your Air Filters So You Can Breathe Easy
Your vehicle contains two important air filters:
Cabin Air Filter: This filter cleans the air entering your vehicle’s interior by trapping pollen, dust, and other airborne contaminants.
Engine Air Filter: This filter prevents dirt, bugs, and debris from entering the engine, helping reduce wear and maintain fuel efficiency.
Most air filters should be inspected during routine maintenance and typically replaced every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, or about once a year, depending on your driving conditions.
Tire Rotation and Tire Pressure
Replacing four tires can be expensive, which is why regular tire rotations are so important. Rotating your tires changes their position on the vehicle, helping them wear more evenly and extending their lifespan. Because the front tires handle most of the steering, braking, and engine weight, they generally wear faster than the rear tires.
In addition to rotating your tires, inspect them at least once a month and before any long road trips. Worn or underinflated tires increase the risk of hydroplaning, poor handling, and blowouts.
Checking your tire pressure is one maintenance task that’s easy to do at home with an inexpensive tire pressure gauge.
Before Adding Air: What’s The PSI?
Determine your vehicle’s recommended tire pressure (PSI).
- The easiest way is to check the manufacturer’s sticker located inside the driver’s side door. This sticker lists the recommended PSI for both the front and rear tires.
- Avoid relying on the “Max PSI” printed on the tire’s sidewall. That number indicates the maximum pressure the tire can safely withstand; It’s not the recommended pressure for everyday driving.
Checking Your Car Battery
Your car battery provides the power needed to start the engine, operate your vehicle’s electronics, and maintain a stable electrical system. When replacing a battery, you’ll often see information such as:
- BCI Group Size: Indicates the battery’s physical size and terminal placement (examples include Group 24, Group 35, H6, or 48).
- CCA (Cold Cranking Amps): Measures how well the battery can start your vehicle in cold weather.
It’s a good idea to have your battery tested about twice a year, especially before the summer and winter seasons. If you need a replacement battery, there are several ways to identify the correct one:
- Visit an auto parts store such as AutoZone, where employees can look up the proper battery using your vehicle’s year, make, model, engine size, VIN, or license plate number.
- Check the label on your current battery for the group size and specifications.
- Refer to your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended battery size and minimum CCA rating.
A Trustworthy Mechanic Around Salem, NH
Routine maintenance is one of the best ways to protect your investment and avoid costly repairs down the road. While many maintenance tasks can be done at home, some jobs are best left to experienced professionals. As a trustworthy mechanic around Salem, NH, Ray’s Auto Service Inc. is proud to help drivers keep their vehicles running safely and reliably. Whether you need an oil change, tire service, battery replacement, or have questions about maintaining your vehicle, our team is here to help.
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