Car Maintenance “No-Nos”

A car is not just something you use to go to places. Buying it entails responsibility. And for it to serve its purpose longer there are things you should do. You need to give it the proper car care it needs by getting it maintained regularly. While there may be some things you’ve neglected to save money, doing so can actually cost you a fortune. Here are some common mistakes that people make with their cars.

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Not rotating tires and checking air pressure

Tire rotation and air pressure check is something most of us neglect. However, failure to do so can cause costly damages like tire deterioration, uneven traction, and strain on steering and suspension parts.

Neglecting change oil schedules

You may think that you don’t have time to take your car for scheduled oil changes. Well, you should think twice. Newer vehicles aren’t made to run on the same oil for thousands of miles or a period. Keep in mind that there’s a reason why mechanic recommend oil changes every 3,000 miles. If you own an older car, however, consider getting your oil changed every 1,000 miles. Doing this will help your car last longer.

Using the wrong kind of end of engine oil

If you are a first-time car owner, and you don’t have any idea about car care, you might think that oils are created equal. Well, unfortunately, they are not.

You should know that motor oils have different grades. These grades are defined by two numbers with the letter “W” after the first number (example, 10W-40, 5W-10, etc.). The “W” stands for winter, and it tells you how viscous the oil is in cold temperatures. In general, the lower the first number, colder the temperature. The second number, on the other hand, will give you an idea how viscous the oil will be at 100 degrees Celsius.

If you want to know the right motor oil for your car, check your car’s manual. Make sure you follow the instructions to ensure that your engine will run well. If you fail to do so, this serious mistake can cost you a fortune.


Not following maintenance schedules


Bringing your car to the mechanic ONLY when something is wrong is not a good practice. If you do this, you should be prepared to shell out a lot of money in the long run.  Your car’s manual contains information about the scheduled tune-ups and maintenance. Follow its instructions to reduce the risk of expensive repairs.


Taking care of your car regularly is very important as it prevents unnecessary expenses in the long run. Another way to prevent unnecessary expenses with your auto is go buy the right car insurance. Here at Roper Insurance Services, we offer the auto insurance coverage you need for a reasonable price. Call us at (828) 388-1851 or email us here. Get quoted for free!