Get Your Belts and Hoses Checked

Generally, it’s a good idea to check your belts and hoses every time you get an oil change. If your mechanic doesn’t list this as part of their oil change service, ask them to take a look. By doing this twice a year with your oil changes, you’ll catch any major issues before they cause a real problem. Belts and hoses gradually wear down over time so you may not notice any change with how your car runs until they fail, which can cause major problems within your engine.

Even if you do not have them checked with oil changes, your owner’s manual should list a maintenance schedule for new belts and hoses. Most cars say between three and five years but it’s best to follow what your car’s manufacturer recommends.

Listen to Your Car’s Fan

Pay attention to when and how your fan runs. Your fan should turn on when the engine temperature is high enough. If you have an electric fan, it is not abnormal for the fan to continue running after you turn off your car. But if you notice your fan not running when it should or if the engine runs differently when the fan is in use, you should probably bring your car to a shop for radiator repair.

Related: Sign’s Your Car’s Air Conditioning Is Going Out
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Test Your Thermostat

Your car’s thermostat measures the engine temperature. Pay attention to how your temperature gauge moves when you run your car. It should go steadily up and then hold at a reasonable temperature. If you’re comfortable with some at-home maintenance, you can test your thermostat by removing it from your car and putting it in a pan of water. The water should be at the right temperature for what the thermostat is rated and then it should open. As the water cools, the thermostat should close. If you don’t regularly do similar checks on your car at home and are not comfortable trying it out, you can take your car to an auto shop to have a mechanic check whether your thermostat is working properly.

Regular Maintenance Will Keep Major Repairs at Bay

Big repairs can sneak up on you. Many parts in your car naturally wear out over time and may not show any symptoms that they’re about to fail. Even if there are signs certain parts are wearing out, it can be tricky to decipher which part is about to fail without having a mechanic take a look. That’s why preventative care and regular maintenance is so important to extend the life of your car. 

Seals, belts, hoses, and other essential parts may seem to suddenly fail – and when they do so, they can cause extensive damage within your car’s engine. Make sure preventative maintenance is in your annual car maintenance schedule.