If you are like much of the population, you are concerned about the price of everything. The weak economy has made many people look for ways to cut costs in their housing, heating, food, and auto repair in the winter. The government may be saying that the recession is over, but the real world is still reeling from the effects. If you are trying to control costs, you should not omit regular general car maintenance. Establishing a regular schedule of maintaining your car is the best way to ward off high auto repair bills and improve fuel efficiency. If you are not sure when you should be performing maintenance, you can consult your owner’s manual or your local trusted mechanic to help you set up a regular schedule that you can post somewhere where you will be sure to see it often so that it will be on your mind.

Even Your Car Needs Fluids

One of the most important things you can do for your car is to routinely check your fluid levels. Make sure that all your fluids are clean. Flush all of the systems containing fluid and change the oil. When you change the oil, do not forget to change the oil and air filters. Regular fluid checks can reveal any leaks or other problems that may be developing. If you notice that your oil level is getting lower in a short amount of time, you could have a leak or some other issue that will need prompt attention. If you notice that your brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid level is getting lower, you may have a leak somewhere and you need to have it repaired immediately because each of these systems is a closed system and should not be consuming fluid. Make sure your windshield wipers work and top off the washer fluid. Check your transmission fluid levels and make sure that you have the recommended level. Consult your owner’s manual if you are unsure about how to identify and refill any of these systems.

Special Springtime Tasks to Complete

You should make sure that you have your car inspected after the winter to assess the health of your car. You will be able to determine the wear your car sustained during the winter, replace any parts, and replenish any fluids that are needed. You will also be able to determine if the winter weather had any adverse effects on your car. You will be able to see if the road salt, snow, and cold weather caused any corrosion or resulted in any damaged components. You can replace the damaged parts, clean, and monitor the parts that are in good condition.

Do Not Forget Your Tires

You should always include your tires in your inspections and do a visual inspection of them every time before you get in the car. Your tires are the only points of contact between your car and the road and they need to be in good condition. The condition of your tires will also tell you the state of your steering and suspension system. If your tires are wearing unevenly, you could have uneven tire pressure, need a wheel alignment, tire rotation, or have damaged or worn steering and suspension components. If you take care of your car, you will be able to cruise through the spring straight into the summer with no problems.