Owning a vehicle comes with maintenance. There's no way around that. But spending a little money and paying attention to small problems now can sometimes save you from a much bigger repair bill later.
The good news is that you don't have to know much about cars to take good care of one. A few basic habits can go a long way toward keeping your vehicle on the road and your repair bills under control.
Here are six common maintenance mistakes that can turn relatively small problems into expensive ones.
1. Ignoring the Check Engine Light
It's tempting to ignore a check engine light, especially when your vehicle seems to be running just fine. But that little light is your vehicle telling you something needs attention.
Sometimes the cause is relatively minor. Other times, continuing to drive without addressing the problem can lead to more expensive damage.
A steady check engine light generally means you should have the vehicle checked soon. A flashing check engine light can indicate a more serious problem, such as an engine misfire that could damage the catalytic converter. If it's flashing, don't keep driving around hoping it'll go away.
The important thing is not to panic, but don't ignore it either. Finding out what's wrong early is usually a lot cheaper than finding out after something else has been damaged.
If you bought your vehicle from Chuck Ryan Cars and your check engine light comes on, bring it by. We'll check it out and help you figure out what's going on.
2. Putting Off Oil Changes
Oil keeps the moving parts inside your engine lubricated and protected. As it gets older, it becomes less effective at doing its job.
Waiting too long between oil changes can increase engine wear and, in the worst cases, contribute to serious engine damage. That's a pretty expensive consequence for skipping relatively inexpensive routine maintenance.
How often you need an oil change depends on your vehicle, the type of oil it uses, and how you drive. Check your owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommended interval rather than relying on one rule for every vehicle.
At Chuck Ryan Cars, we change the oil in every vehicle before we sell it, so you start out with fresh oil when you drive off the lot. After that, staying on top of regular oil changes and checking your oil level occasionally are two of the simplest things you can do to help your vehicle last.
Not sure how to check your oil? Ask us when you're buying your vehicle and we'll show you. Already bought from us and don't know how? Bring it by. We'll be happy to show you.
3. Ignoring Warning Signs From Your Brakes
Your brakes usually give you some warning before a problem becomes a bigger one. Squealing or grinding noises, a steering wheel that shakes when you brake, a soft or spongy brake pedal, or a vehicle that pulls to one side when stopping are all signs worth paying attention to.
Sometimes the fix is as simple as replacing the brake pads. But putting it off can allow worn pads to damage the rotors and potentially other parts of the braking system, turning a relatively inexpensive repair into a much bigger brake job.
More importantly, brakes are a safety issue. If something suddenly feels different when you brake, don't wait until your next oil change to mention it.
If you bought your vehicle from Chuck Ryan Cars and think something may be wrong with your brakes, bring it by. We can take it for a quick drive and can usually give you a good idea of what's going on and approximately what it may cost to fix.
4. Driving With Low or Incorrect Fluid Levels
Your vehicle relies on more than just engine oil. Coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid on some vehicles all have important jobs to do.
If a fluid level keeps dropping, don't just keep adding more and ignore it. A low level can be a sign of a leak or another problem that needs attention.
Using the wrong fluid can cause problems too. Different vehicles require different types and specifications, especially when it comes to coolant and transmission fluid. When you're not sure what your vehicle takes, check the owner's manual or ask someone who knows before pouring anything in.
If you're a Chuck Ryan Cars customer and aren't sure what you're looking at under the hood, ask us. We'd much rather help you figure it out than have you guess and accidentally put the wrong thing in the wrong place.
5. Ignoring Tire Problems
Your tires affect much more than how smooth your ride feels. They're an important part of your vehicle's safety, handling, braking, and fuel economy.
Driving with tires that are underinflated, overinflated, badly worn, or wearing unevenly can shorten their life and may be a sign of another problem, such as poor alignment or worn suspension components.
Pay attention to your tires and your tire-pressure warning light. If one tire keeps losing air, your steering wheel starts vibrating, your vehicle pulls to one side, or you notice one tire wearing differently from the others, don't just keep putting air in it and hoping for the best.
Not sure what pressure your tires should have? Check the sticker inside the driver's door, not the number printed on the tire itself. The door sticker tells you the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle.
6. Putting Off Small Problems Until They Become Big Ones
Cars usually don't get better when you ignore them. A new noise, vibration, smell, leak, or change in the way your vehicle drives may seem minor at first, but sometimes it's your first warning that something needs attention.
That doesn't mean every squeak is an emergency or every strange noise is about to empty your bank account. But catching a problem early can mean the difference between replacing one worn part and repairing several things that were damaged because you kept driving.
Pay attention when your vehicle starts doing something it didn't do before. You drive it every day, so you're often the first person who will notice when something feels different.
And remember, if you bought your vehicle from Chuck Ryan Cars, we're still here after the warranty ends. If something doesn't seem right, call us or bring it by and let us help you figure out what's going on.
A Little Maintenance Can Save You a Lot of Money
Taking care of your vehicle doesn't mean you have to know everything about cars. Pay attention to changes, keep up with routine maintenance, and don't be afraid to ask questions when you're not sure about something.
A little maintenance today can help prevent a much bigger repair bill tomorrow.
At Chuck Ryan Cars, we take care of you before and after the sale.
