The motor in your refrigerator or freezer should stop operating once it reaches the set temperature. If it keeps running, it could be a sign that the unit is struggling to maintain a consistent setting, costing you more energy bills and leading to potential breakdowns. It’s important to catch these issues early on to avoid costly repairs in the future.

Check Your Tire Pressure

Properly inflating your tires will increase fuel efficiency and help maintain the tire’s life. First, find the manufacturer-recommended Tire Pressure for your vehicle. You can usually find this in the car handbook, on a sticker on your driver’s door, or in the fuel tank cap. To achieve an accurate measurement, remove the valve cover and apply pressure to a tire pressure gauge (a hissing sound will be heard). If using a standard gauge, read the pressure by looking at how far the bar is pushed out; digital gauges may show you the pressure directly onscreen.

Now that you have the information take your car to a gas station with an air compressor and use the hose to fill each tire until it is at the recommended PSI.

Check Your Brakes

Brakes are one of the most important safety systems in your vehicle. Knowing when to check your brakes can save you time and money at the shop.

Most brakes have a wear sensor that will let you know when to replace your pads. This sensor will squeal when the pad thickness is low, and you are starting to grind your rotor metal against metal. It will damage your rotors, turning a simple pad replacement into a costly rotor resurfacing or even a rotor replacement job.

Another indication is that it’s time to replace your brakes and that you should go to a car repair Edmonds wa With a bleed kit. You can check the thickness of your brake pads through the hole in your wheel using a flashlight to see if they are less than 1/4″.

Check Your Oil

The negative terminal should receive the black cable. As you start the vehicle, keep an eye on the meter. If it stays above 12.6 volts, your Battery is in good shape.

To check your oil, start by ensuring your vehicle is parked on a flat surface. It will prevent the oil from sloshing to one side, giving you an inaccurate reading. Next, open your hood and locate the oil dipstick. It usually has an orange or red handle with a small oil can symbol.

Once you’ve located the dipstick, pull it out and look at the end for two marks indicating your maximum and minimum oil levels. If the oil is below the minimum mark, it’s time to add more.

Check Your Battery

You should check your battery at least twice per year. Often, you can do this at home with a simple multimeter. It will tell you how well your battery is holding a charge.

This step will also help you find the location of your battery. It’s usually under the hood, though some vehicles hide it in obscure locations. If you can’t locate the battery, consult your owner’s manual.

Once you’ve found your battery, disconnect any electricity-powered devices (like the radio or headlights) from it. Connect your voltmeter’s red cable clip to the battery’s positive terminal (usually marked with a “+”). To the negative terminal, attach the black cable. Keep an eye on the meter as you start the car. Your battery is in good condition if the value stays over 12.6 volts.

Check Your Motor

A properly functioning motor ensures a smooth ride, so you should regularly check that it is free of leaks and damage. Inspecting the serpentine belt and the transfer case is important to ensure they are lubricated properly.

While a blinking check engine light can indicate a problem, a red one means an immediate issue needs to be fixed. Ignoring this light could lead to costly repairs, so getting it checked out as soon as possible is vital.

Always remember to compare prices and ask for an itemized receipt and inspection report before committing to any work. It allows you to dispute any charges not agreed upon in writing. It is also a good idea to get a second opinion.

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