Car maintenance basics

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Car maintenance basics
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Many drivers are unaware that their vehicle may
need a little maintenance every now and then to
continue running. Some maintenance you can do
yourself, while you might need to get some other
services done by professionals. Here are some of
the basics to regular car maintenance so you can
know when to perform a check-up or get your
vehicle serviced   Where to find information The
best source to learn about your vehicles
recommended maintenance intervals and practices
is in your owners manual. The car maker should
detail when you need to do routine maintenance.
Because the manual was written by experts, it is
your best source to learn about your vehicle.
Unfortunately, too many drivers never consult
this manual and may instead guess when they need
to perform maintenance checks and
services. Maintenance you need to do There are
several maintenance practices you should perform
on your car from time to time, or you could run
the risk of major engine trouble later. In an
April 2013 study, the Car Care Council found
that, 22 percent of cars have dirty or low engine
oil, and 20 percent have inadequate cooling
protection.
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Fortunately, changing the engine oil and adding
coolant are some of the easier maintenance
routines to perform or are inexpensive to get
done at a service station. In general, you should
be aware of all the different fluids in your
vehicle and when it is necessary to change them.
Additionally, things like air filters and engine
belts may need to be replaced from time to time.
If you are unsure what needs to be replaced in
your car, you should consider taking it in for a
checkup with a licensed mechanic.   Scheduling a
visit If you know what maintenance needs to be
done and what the mile intervals are, you should
look around for the best prices to get your car
serviced. While you might be able to perform some
maintenance yourself, you should bring your car
to professionals if you are unsure. Preparing
ahead of time by knowing when you will need to
perform routine maintenance and how much it will
cost can help you budget for these expenses
better and not be caught off guard by the
amount.   Getting coverage While you should
perform maintenance tasks regularly to keep your
car functioning properly and performing to its
best ability, you should also be sure to get
adequate insurance coverage.
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Most states require at least a minimum level of
liability insurance, but you should check out
policies that fit your budget and will help you
in the case of an accident. Additionally, you
should invest in a vehicle service contract to
help you cover the cost of certain covered
repairs if your car breaks down. As your vehicle
ages, the need for repairs can increase. If you
dont have coverage, you could be faced with
potentially steep expenses if your vehicle breaks
down.   The Car Care Council is not affiliated
with Toco Warranty Corp. and has not endorsed
Toco Warranty products and services.   Article
Resource https//www.tocowarranty.com/TocoCares/B
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