- Regularly inspect and replace wiper blades and washer fluid for improved visibility and safety.
- Maintain strong electrical connections for optimal battery function and improved car performance.
- Regularly clean battery terminals to prolong their lifespan and ensure optimal electrical current flow.
- Neglecting auto air conditioners could lead to higher repair costs and reduced efficiency.
- Regular AC inspection and replacement improve interior air quality and reduce potential health risks.
Vehicles are complex machines that require regular care and attention to perform optimally. However, some parts of the car that deserve proper maintenance and replacement are often overlooked, which could adversely affect the vehicle’s performance and lifespan.
Your car’s longevity and performance rely significantly on comprehensive maintenance. Regularly checking and maintaining your car’s fluid levels, oil, filters, and brakes and aligning your tires go a long way to keeping your vehicle in excellent health. However, amidst all these crucial car components lie other easily overlooked components.
This blog post highlights forgotten car components to which every car owner should pay more attention.
Windshield Wipers and Washer Fluid
Clear visibility is an essential factor to ensure safe driving. Your visibility is impaired when your windshield wipers are faulty, or your washer fluid runs out, especially during winter.
A cracked or old wiper blade can shred, leaving marks on the windshield that cannot be removed easily. A dust-coated or scratched windshield can also impair your visibility, increasing your risk of being involved in an accident.
Checking and Replacing Wipers
Inspecting and replacing your wiper blades is easy, and the cost is relatively cheap. Check your wiper blades regularly for signs of wear and tear, cracks or chips on the rubber, or bending. Replacing wiper blades every six months is recommended to maintain a crystal-clear windshield view.
Ensuring Adequate Washer Fluid
Fluids such as washer fluid can help maintain clear visibility during winter or when driving on dirty roads. A specially formulated washer fluid instead of plain tap water is recommended because the latter can freeze during winter. Mount at least two-gallon washer fluid in your car to ensure you have enough during longer trips.
Battery Terminals and Connections
The battery is an essential component of your car; without it, your car won’t start. However, more than the battery is required. The electrical connections and terminals of your battery are equally critical to the proper functioning of your car.
A weak connection, corrosion, or buildup of dirt and grime can interfere with the electrical current’s free flow, resulting in poor performance or no response.
Importance of a Strong Electrical Connection
A robust electrical connection between the battery and electrical components such as the engine, alternator, and starter motor is vital to a smoothly running car. The link allows optimal current flow, ensuring maximum power to the car’s components.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning and maintaining your battery terminals and connections are easy tasks that can prolong your battery’s lifespan and improve functionality.
Use a battery cleaner that helps to remove dirt and grime on the battery’s surface and a wire brush to clean the connectors. Preferably, clean your battery terminals every six months or when you notice signs of corrosion.
Auto Air Conditioner
One of the neglected components in cars is the air conditioner. Many car owners take AC for granted and neglect it, leading to higher repair costs or reduced efficiency in the long run. The air conditioner does not just keep us cool and comfortable, but it also plays a crucial role in interior air quality.
Impact on Interior Air Quality
As the car air conditioning system cools and circulates the air, it filters out pollutants and prevents the spread of harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
However, when the air filter is clogged or the system fails, it is easy for pollutants to accumulate, making the interior air more polluted than outdoor air. This could pose a danger, especially to persons with respiratory issues such as asthma.
Regular Inspection and Replacement
It is crucial to schedule regular inspections and replacements of the components to ensure the system functions appropriately. During AC inspection, your technicians will examine the filters, refrigerant level, and other system components that might need replacement.
It’s best to schedule regular maintenance with specialized AC auto technicians for proper service. A specialized auto AC service shop is better suited to provide specific and detailed service for your car’s AC system. The technicians here can detect and repair faulty components, ultimately reducing repair costs in the long run.
A well-maintained car will serve you optimally with minimal breakdowns and fewer repair costs than a neglected one. Remember to prioritize the maintenance of commonly overlooked components such as windshield wipers, washer fluid, and battery terminals and connections.
Regularly replace your wiper blades and washer fluid to maintain clear visibility during winter, while cleaning and maintaining your battery terminals and connections will prolong your battery’s life and ensure optimal performance. Invest in your car’s durability; your vehicle will give you many years of reliable service.