As vehicle dwelling nomads, we need to constantly remind ourselves that our homes on wheels are machines, and like any machine they need maintenance. For most vehicles, regular maintenance begins at 5,000 miles and continues from there every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. But, checking your vehicle on a regular basis is even better. Maintenance keeps your vehicle running smoothly and safely for a much longer distance compared to never doing upkeep. Your owner’s manual will outline all of the maintenance that needs to be done and when it needs to be done. But, do you need to pay for a mechanic to manage the vehicle maintenance? You can handle a lot of basic vehicle maintenance yourself by following the advice that I'll outline below.
Read Your Owner’s Manual
Every vehicle has an owner’s manual. It’s a book that typically is kept in the glove box. If you can’t find your copy, an electronic version could be online. Otherwise, contact your dealer for a copy. With your owners manual in hand, turn to the maintenance schedule section. Take note of the intervals for maintenance items like the engine oil, oil filter, tire rotation, belts, hoses and so forth. It’s important to follow these manufacturer recommendations to keep the engine running as smoothly as possible.
Check Your Tires Every Month
The things that keeps your car driving down the road is the tires. They need to be properly inflated to do their job as well as lessen the chance of a blowout. You probably know how to add air to your tires already. What you may not know is the correct tire pressure, which is extremely important. You’ll find the recommended tire pressure on a label located on the driver’s door jamb or in the owner’s manual. Tires should be inflated when they are cold (driven less than one mile) to get an accurate reading. If that isn’t possible, just add the recommended amount, after driving a couple miles. check again after stopped for a few minutes. Check your spare tire while you’re at it and confirm all pressures with a tire gauge once the tires have rested.
Change Your Oil and Oil Filter
Oil is your engine’s life blood. It serves as a lubricant, keeping important engine parts from grinding against each other and destroying the engine. Motor oil that’s not changed regularly can damage your engine as accumulated contaminants cause friction when they rub against other parts. What type of oil should you use, petroleum based or synthetic? Is one better than the other? the type of oil is not important. As long as the oil meets the service and viscosity requirements set out in your owner's manual, you can switch back and forth as much as you want. Although, I recommend full synthetic.
Replace Air Filter With every other Oil and Oil Filter Changes
When it comes to the air filter, you may need to replace it once or twice each year. It mainly depends on how much you drive. It’s best practice to check the air filter when you change your oil.
Check All Other Fluids
Engine motor oil isn’t the only fluid that needs to be checked. Mechanics recommend checking your vehicles brake fluid, transmission fluids, coolant and windshield washer fluid. Like motor oil, you’ll check transmission fluid with a dipstick. Determine brake fluid, coolant and washer fluid levels by removing related covers and visually inspecting each. They should have a marked fill line. NEVER! remove the radiator cap to check coolant levels. You risk getting scalded by hot radiator coolant if the cap is removed. Instead, check the coolant level in the nearby transparent refill reservoir.
Listen and Feel for Brake Possible Brake Problems
Brakes are a critical component on every vehicle. You should always be aware of how your brakes feel and what they sound like every time you drive. If the brakes feel spongy or it takes more pressure to apply the brakes than normal they need to get inspected by a mechanic. Brake sounds can indicate when maintenance or repair is needed.
Here’s a brief list of common brake sounds: Squealing, It’s time for new brake pads when you hear squealing because the ones you have now are worn out and rubbing against the rotor.
Grinding, This isn’t a normal sound, but it may not be a major issue if brake grinding is happening only the first time you drive the vehicle in a day. When the humidity levels are high outside, rust can form on the brake rotors in a matter of a day if the vehicle isn’t driven. The grinding sound is the rust getting knocked off. The simple fix is to park the vehicle in a garage when it’s snowing, raining or humid.
Rattling, A rattling or vibration sound suggests one of the rotors is warped or worn out and needs to be replaced.
Intermittent Sounds, If brake sounds come and go it could be an indicator of brake fade from overheating. When the brake pads, rotors or brake fluid overheat you may hear brake sounds and the brakes won’t feel as responsive. This problem should be looked at by a professional mechanic who can pinpoint the cause and fix it.
Replace Wiper Blades
If the windows streak or the blades screech when the wipers are on, it’s time for a replacement set. This is actually a very important vehicle maintenance item. If you find yourself in a rainstorm the windshield wipers are what give you visibility. You never know when you may need them so check the wiper blades often.
Remove Corrosion From Battery Terminals
As for the vehicles battery, the main requirement here is to ensure that the battery terminals remain free from corrosion. Just like the brakes, environmental factors can cause buildup that inhibits operation. A wire brush used along with a solution of water and baking soda will clean the corrosion off the terminals.
Check Belts and Hoses
Inspect the hoses and belts in the engine bay. These hoses direct coolant flow to ensure the engine doesn’t overheat. If a hose has loosened, shows cracks or bulges, then have it replaced. Also, check the belts too. The timing belt, as found in most vehicles and is critical to the operation of your engine, If this belt shows signs of wear, including cracking, glazing and material loss (chunks missing from the belt itself), then replace it immediately. If the timing belt goes while driving it can cause serious engine damage.
You have invested lots of money in your nomadic home, so you need to be sure to maintain your vehicle properly. Take regular vehicle maintenance seriously.
Just Go For It, A Life Of Travel Adventure Awaits!
~Chaz~
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