Most of us welcome in the spring weather with the cleaning of our homes, offices, and garages, but did you ever think about the importance of your car? Since winter weather can put a beating on your car with all the slush, salt, sand and potholes, it’s important to undo these damages. As the seasons change, so does the maintenance requirements for your car. April is known as National Car Care Month. The following car maintenance tips for spring can help you protect yourself and keep your insurance premiums to a minimum.

So now you may ask, where does my insurance come to play? That’s easy, a well-maintained car could mean less accidents. Less accidents mean lower insurance premiums. Here are a few straightforward car maintenance tips to keep your insurance premium lower.


Oil

Oil should be changed on a regular basis, usually every 3,000 to 5,000 miles (recommended by mechanics), which helps prolong the life of your car. Although, the car make and model, and type of oil used, (synthetic, conventional, or high performance) will alter the number of miles between changes. There are many benefits of adding new, clean oil to your car, such as better gas mileage, your engine running more efficiently and less debris in your system.

Brakes
Your brakes should be inspected regularly since your pads and shoes will wear and tear between every 20,000 and 60,000 miles, and eventually need to be replaced. When you are driving and have to step on the brake pedal, make sure you are paying attention to how the brakes feel and listen for any strange noises like grinding, screeching, clicking, or the car pulling to one side. Also make sure you are aware of any warning lights up on your dashboard.

Tires
Changing your tires and rotating them regularly is also important. If you are not sure when they should be rotated, the type of car model, usage, and tires will determine how many miles your car can go between rotations. Your car will operate better, your tires will last longer, and your gas mileage will improve if you have your mechanic change your tires from driver side to passenger side or front to back.

Plugs
Your spark plugs are an integral part of your car’s motor, and if they are not checked with a regular service, cleaned, or changed when needed, they could cause major problems like choking the engine or causing the catalytic converter to fail. If your car is having trouble starting, the idling is rough, it jerks while driving, or gas mileage gets worse, then this mean it’s time for new spark plugs.

Filter
Keeping your car’s air filter clean and replacing it every 30,000-45,000 miles (depending on your car model) is also extremely important. Air filters are used to keep debris and dirt from entering, which can end up causing a bigger problem. Changing your car filter is another thing you can do on your own to avoid taking it to your repairman.

Lights
Make sure your brake lights, headlights, and taillights are always clean and working. It can be easy to change out your lightbulbs rather than taking it to the repairman, but make sure to do it as soon as possible.

 

Talk to your Yetter Insurance Agent about ways to lower your insurance costs regarding these car maintenance tips. We’ll help make sure you get the best help possible. Contact Yetter Insurance today at our Milford office. Visit www.yetterins.com or call 570-296-8329.

 

Resources: http://www.enhancedinsurance.com/simple-car-maintenance-tips-keep-premium-lower/