Do you currently drive an older car? What are some maintenance tips to keep it in decent shape? Overall, try to be proactive rather than waiting ‘til the last minute to get something checked or fixed– being reactive can cost a lot more money than being proactive.
For starters, how are your brakes? If you hear some noises around your tires, you might need replacement brake pads. Or if you notice leaks, maybe you have a brake fluid issue that needs attention. Also, take a look at your tires. Do they seem underinflated? If they’re starting to look low or even flat then it’s time to add some air and/or have a mechanic take a look and see what’s going on. Most tires should be somewhere between 30 and 35 PSI.
What are some other maintenance tips for older cars? Have various fluids and systems checked by a professional to see how they’re doing– for instance, you might need to have the steering fluid changed or your shocks replaced. Maybe the windshield wipers or radiator hoses have worn out. There could be cracks in the fuel line and/or the fuel filter needs to be replaced. Other things a mechanic should check are the CV joints, the engine timing belt, the cooling system, the water pump and the battery. All of these things may wear out or fail over time.
Don’t forget to check your oil and change it when needed, including its filter. That’s true for your transmission fluid and filter, too.
Older vehicles are like older people– they need more maintenance work than younger models. That said, with some time and attention, you can keep your older car or truck on the road for more miles if you simply maintain it well as the years go by.
