Purchasing a new (or new to you) car is a fabulous feeling. There’s something comforting in knowing that your car will start with ease and that driving it will feel smooth and relaxing. However, if you don’t take care of your car, you can run into a gamut of mechanical troubles. Here are a few preventative maintenance tips to keep your car’s engine in proper working condition.  

3 Tips to Keep Your Car Running Smoothly 

1. Get Regular Car Maintenance

The old saying “no news is good news” should never apply to your vehicle. Ignoring a dashboard warning light may leave you stranded on the side of the road one day or night. If you bring your car into an auto repair shop for regular oil changes and tuneups, your mechanic will be able to spot problems during an inspection and fix them. 

2. Keep Your Gas Level Above Empty 

Another preventative maintenance tip that will prolong the life of your engine is to keep your gas tank filled. Gas contains sediment that settles at the bottom of your tank. If you drive your car when the fuel is low, your engine is forced to pull gas from the bottom to the top. Over time, bottom-of-the-tank sediments can cause engine wear and damage. By keeping your car filled with gas, the fuel filter will catch most of that sediment.

3. Check for Leaks 

Another important preventative maintenance tip is to watch for leaks. Oil and antifreeze are two liquids that can leak from your engine’s rubber hosing. When hosing becomes worn and cracked from age and extreme heat, leaks and drips may result. During regular tuneups, a mechanic will inspect the condition and appearance of hoses and fix problems before they more costly to repair. You may not notice an oil leak, but you may smell burning oil. Call a mechanic right away if you smell burning oil.

If you’re looking for a mechanic to help with preventative maintenance, consider Highway Garage & Auto Body Center in Chagrin Falls, OH. Backed by 100 years of experience, their team provides high-quality preventative car repairs with efficiency. They are conveniently located one-and-a-half miles north of State Route 422, off State Route 306 (Chillicothe Road), on East Washington Street, next to McFarland Corners Shopping Center. Visit their website to learn more about their services, or call them today at (440) 708-0600 to schedule an appointment.