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Vehicle maintenance is something you can only do yourself sometimes, but there are at-home jobs you can take on to protect your investment. You can develop a routine that includes the tips below. The objective is to keep your automobile in great shape and lower your odds of costly repairs or the need to replace the vehicle. The insurance experts from Altra Insurance Services, a premier provider of auto insurance Chula Vista drivers rely on for high-quality service and affordable coverage, offer a look at some of the routine maintenance tasks you can perform at home.
Check the Tires
The tires contribute to your vehicle’s safety. Therefore, checking the tire pressure is one of the most significant ways to maintain your car at home. Insufficient air impacts the braking distance negatively, and your steering and handling can become less productive when driving. These are issues that make it extremely dangerous when stopping the vehicle or trying to maneuver to avoid collisions or other difficulties.
You can check the pressure at home. After you remove the valve cap, use the pressure gauge, and read the air pressure results, write this number down to check against the recommended figures. Once this is done, you can decide if the tires are in good shape or if additional services are needed.
Perform Oil Changes
Your engine’s performance relies heavily on oil changes, which can be done in the comfort of your home or at a professional auto shop within the neighborhood. Saving time and money by changing the oil at home doesn’t impact your car as long as you know what steps to follow and how to complete the task correctly.
In addition to extending your engine’s longevity, oil changes are necessary because they help the car achieve its peak gas mileage. The clean oil can increase the odds of your motor running smoothly and staying adequately lubricated.
Monitor the Windshield Wipers
Visibility is the key to good driving performance, and your windshield wipers could become critical factors on short notice. For instance, if you experience rain, snow, and other weather conditions or incidents that cause fluids and debris to hit your window, the wipers must work properly to clear these blockages immediately. However, if your wipers don’t work correctly, the clutter and dirt can increase, making it nearly impossible to see through the windshield. As a result, you could run into other vehicles, objects, and more, putting your life and the lives of others at serious risk.
Maintain Insurance Requirements
This is just as essential as the hands-on activities mentioned above. Your finances and safety can often rely on having the proper insurance policy, so you want to verify you have the best plan. It’s always a good idea to review your policy and ensure you meet the requirements for your current situation. If you have issues that come up, such as new vehicle information or purchases, or you merely want to learn more about recent updates, calling a representative to share the information or learn more is just as vital as checking gas mileage, air filters, coolant, and other hands-on maintenance jobs you perform at home.
No matter who performs maintenance on your car, having adequate auto insurance is essential to protect yourself and your investment. For affordable, reliable car insurance, trust the professionals at Altra Insurance Services. In addition to auto insurance, we offer a wide range of insurance coverage, including motorcycle, homeowners, and business insurance. Give us a call today to learn how our commitment to personal service sets us apart from other insurance providers.