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As a busy mom, the last thing you have time for is issues with your car. You need to be able to hop in your vehicle and get to your destination when you need and in a reliable fashion. One of the best ways to ensure that’s the case is to perform regular maintenance checks so you can identify small problems before they spiral out of control. Here we’ll take a look at a simple car maintenance checklist that is perfect for busy moms like you.
Checking the Engine Oil
Here’s a simple step to start with, yet it’s very important to keep the car running properly. Checking the oil to ensure it’s at the right level and that it’s not dirty is extremely important. This can be done once every few weeks. Should you notice it is getting low, go ahead and carefully top it off. Just be sure you’re using the right oil for the car. Experts also suggest you check it before any type of road trip — just to be safe.
Top Up the Washer Fluid
Another fluid that should be checked so you can maintain the right level is the windshield washer fluid. This ensures you have a clear window that isn’t obstructed by dirt and grime. If you have wipers on the front and back windows of the car, both reservoirs will need to be checked. Again, just like the engine oil, you can do this once every few weeks.
Inspect the Tire Pressure
Did you know that having the correct tire pressure affects the safety, the ride and the fuel economy of your vehicle? That’s a whole lot of reasons to check it, which should be done every few weeks. You can use a tire pressure gauge to get a quick reading — just be sure you know what pressure they need to be at. You can find this information in your owner’s manual. Remember, too low or too high are both detrimental.
Become Comfortable with On-Board Diagnostics
The next tip is to become more comfortable in identifying issues using onboard diagnostics (OBD) tools. The Carly OBD Scanner + App is a beginner-friendly tool that can shed light on your vehicle when it comes to maintenance and potential repairs. Using the OBD2 scanner app, you can read and then clear any diagnostic codes, do an emissions check, perform maintenance and repairs, and check your vehicle, among other things. Click here to learn more about the OBD2 scanner by Carly.
What is the Condition of the Wipers?
Most people have experienced just how ineffective, old, or faulty windshield wipers can be, and that can then affect the safety of your drive since the window won’t be cleared properly. This is why it’s a good idea to do a visual inspection of the wipers, clean off debris and replace them at the first sign of wear and tear.
Even though each of these steps is small, they all offer big rewards in keeping the car in excellent condition and ensuring you stay safe.