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Regular car service and maintenance are the key components of owning a car, especially if you want your vehicle to serve you as long as possible. Car maintenance includes a lot of check-ups and repairs, and while some can be done by the owner, given that he has enough automotive skills, some repairs have to be performed by professional mechanics. If you’re on a search for a trustworthy car mechanic, you can find all kinds of automotive services on Jiji, where you’ll discover a wide range of essential services at truly unbeatable prices.

Check the owner’s manual

Most of the things you need to know about maintenance needed for your car is already included into the manual that came with the purchase. You may have heard, for example, that oil needs to be changed every 5,000 kilometers, but your owner’s manual authors may have a different opinion, and in this case you should do exactly what the manual says. The manual can also contain vital information regarding replacement parts, belts, filters, types of oil, gas, and other liquids that are 100% compatible with your car, which is why studying the owner’s manual should be the first thing you do after you get a new vehicle.

Do a regular inspection
With just a bit of skills and experience you can do the basics of car maintenance yourself without overpaying for the third party services. You can tell a lot about the car’s condition and necessary repairs by simply taking a detailed look at the car’s mechanics. Make sure to regularly check the tyres for air pressure and tread wear, as old tyres can lead to the accidents or further problems with the car. Pay attention to the sounds that come from your vehicle and note if there is anything out of order. And don’t ignore dashboard lights – they are pretty effective at telling when something is wrong with the vehicle.

When to do a check-up
Check the following every 3 months:

Timing and serpentine belt;

Battery, cables, lights, and electrical system;

Fluids (automatic transmission, windshield washer, engine coolant, power steering);

Filters (oil, fuel, air);

Exhaust system.

In addition to the above mentioned areas, check the following every 12 months:

Brakes and brake fluid;

Chassis lubrication;

Steering and suspension;

Hoses;

Wiper blades;
These are some car maintenance basics you can perform yourself, provided that you have the necessary skills and have a plenty of time to spend in the garage. However, as soon as you notice any unusual behavior from your car, don’t hesitate to contact a professional mechanic, as the problem may be deeper than you might think.