B.A. Inventory

Cars are like relationships – we all want one that is going to last. With both, you get out what you put into it (most of the time). Your effort and attention make all the difference. Although sometimes our car doesn’t want to cooperate (just like a few of our ex’s), follow these TOP TEN maintenance tips to give yourself the best chance at a successful (car) relationship.

1. Feed It the Good Stuff (AKA Oil Changes)
Your car’s engine oil is like its morning coffee—without it, it becomes cranky, sluggish, and starts smoking. Change the oil every 3,000–5,000 miles unless you want your engine to have an existential crisis.

2. Tire Pressure: Puff Puff Pass… the Air Gauge
Tires that are too flat or too puffy are basically the Crocs of the car world—uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. Check that pressure monthly.

3. Brakes: Not Just a Suggestion
If your brakes squeal like a toddler denied candy, it’s not a protest—it’s a plea for help (although sometimes cheaper pads can squeal like a pig even when they are good). Replace the pads before they get below 90-95% worn.

4. Windshield Wipers: Eyelashes for Your Car
If your wipers smear more than they swipe, you’re not seeing the road—you’re watching a Monet painting. Bad wipers can even scratch the windshield permanently. Wipers are cheap, change them when needed.

5. Coolant: The Car’s Chill Pill
Your engine gets hot—like “angry summer dad mowing the lawn at noon” hot. Without coolant, it may decide to burst into steamy tears. Keep that reservoir topped off.

6. Battery: Your Car’s Coffee Addiction
Batteries don’t live forever. If it’s more than 3–4 years old, it’s basically an old man yelling at clouds. No need to change a good battery, but if it is elderly, check the charge on it to see how it’s holding up.

7. Air Filter: Your Car’s Sinus Health
Your engine needs to breathe cleaner than a germaphobe in flu season. If the air filter’s stuffed up, performance drops faster than your motivation after lunch. Replace annually!

8. Timing Belt: The Unsung Hero of “Not Exploding”
This rubbery little thing controls the rhythm of your engine. If it breaks, so does everything. Replace it on schedule or prepare to sell a kidney.

9. Keep It Clean (Yes, Inside Too)
Your car’s not a rolling dumpster, friend. Vacuum it sometimes. That sticky substance under the seat may no longer be organic. Bonus: You’ll find 27 Goldfish crackers and a missing sock.

10. Read the Manual (I Know, Gross)
Your car’s owner’s manual is basically a diary of “How Not to Kill Me.” Flip through it now and then, especially if a dashboard light starts blinking at you.

BONUS TIP:
When in doubt, turn up the radio and pretend the noise went away. Just Kidding!!!