Buying a used car can be a great way to get an affordable and reliable vehicle. However, used cars require more routine maintenance than brand new cars in order to keep them in good running condition. If you recently purchased a used car from one of the many excellent used cars dealers in Calgary, it's important to know what routine maintenance tasks you should be performing and how often to do them.
Oil Changes
One of the most important routine maintenance tasks for any car, used or new, is regular oil changes. For used cars, it's recommended to get an oil change every 3 months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first. Oil lubricates the engine and keeps it running smoothly, but it gets dirty over time and needs to be replaced. When buying a used car, ask the dealer when the oil was last changed and make sure to get it changed again soon if it's been over 3 months or 3,000 miles.
Changing the oil regularly, such as at one of the reputable used cars dealers in Calgary, will extend the life of your engine significantly. Make sure you use the oil type specified in your owner's manual. Getting used cars dealers in Calgary to show you maintenance records is wise so you can verify the oil has been changed routinely in the past.
Checking Fluids
In addition to oil, your car has other important fluids that require periodic checks and potential top-offs, including:
- Coolant/Antifreeze - should be checked monthly and changed yearly or every 30,000 miles.
- Transmission fluid - check level monthly, flush every 50,000 miles.
- Power steering fluid - check monthly, flush every 50,000 miles.
- Brake fluid - check monthly, flush every 2 years.
Keeping these fluids clean and filled to the proper levels will help prevent major breakdowns and costly repairs down the road. Be diligent about checking them each month when you check your oil. Your used cars dealer in Calgary can show you where to check all the fluid levels under the hood.
Get Regular Tune-Ups
Tune-ups on used cars should be done yearly. Tune-ups include replacing the air filter, spark plugs, and fuel filter, as well as checking other components like belts and hoses. The ignition system should also be checked and potentially repaired if faulty. Getting yearly tune-ups done will keep your engine properly maintained and running efficiently. Ask your used cars dealer in Calgary where they recommend getting affordable tune-ups done.
Inspect & Rotate Tires
Your tires should be routinely inspected for wear and proper inflation each month. Tires should also be rotated every 6,000-8,000 miles to ensure they wear evenly. Signs you may need new tires include uneven tread wear, vibration when driving, or visible cracks/bulges. Getting regular tire rotations at your used cars dealer in Calgary will extend the life of your tires. Make sure to keep track of tire rotation in your maintenance records.
Check Battery & Lights
The battery and lights should be checked monthly. Look for corrosion on battery terminals and make sure lights, blinkers, brake lights etc. are all in working order. Replace old windshield wipers if they start streaking. It's inexpensive but important safety maintenance.
Keep Up Appearance
While not strictly maintenance, washing your car monthly is wise to prevent rust and deterioration of the exterior paint/panels. Waxing twice a year will also protect the paint. Vacuuming the interior regularly will keep it looking neat and tidy.
By following this routine maintenance schedule, your used car from a reputable used cars dealer in Calgary will stay in excellent running order and last for many more miles. Be diligent about regular oil changes, fluid checks, inspections, and tune-ups. It's inexpensive prevention against major repairs down the road.
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