Essential Maintenance Tips for Student-Owned SUVs and Pickups

When you’re a student and have an SUV or pickup, you’re much more flexible and independent. It doesn’t matter if you’re using it to carry gear on hikes, get to school, or go for road trips on weekends; your car should be in mint condition. But keeping things maintained can be a pain when you’re on a shoestring budget. The following are simple, affordable maintenance tricks for keeping your SUV or pickup running smoothly and safely.

1. Check and Change Your Oil Regularly

Changing the oil is one of the most important steps of car maintenance. Lower or old oil will wear your engine down, so make sure to check your oil regularly. An oil change every 3,000 or 5,000 miles should be about right, but check your owner’s manual for more details. Oil changes keep your engine in great condition and save you money on repairs down the road.

2. Keep an Eye on Tire Health

Tires are your link to the road, so they should be in good shape to prevent injuries and save you money. Pressure check your tires at least once a month. Tires under or overinflated result in uneven wear and lower fuel economy. Look for recommended tire pressure on a sticker inside your driver’s door or in your owner’s manual. Check also for damage regularly. The uneven tread might need an alignment. Having good tires will also improve braking and steering, which will make your drive more comfortable and safer. 

Good tires can cost a pretty penny. Save up on a good set by spending less on other needs. For example, you can Google, “Who can write my essay without AI?” and find some reliable and affordable writing services like Academized. This will help you stretch your budget without sacrificing your grades.

3. Inspect and Replace Air Filters

Air filters help keep dust and debris out of the engine, making it work better. A clogged air filter will cost you gas mileage and put more stress on your motor. Clean your air filter every few months if you drive in dusty conditions or areas with lots of traffic. It’s easy and cheap to change an air filter that’s dirty, and you can really feel the difference it will make in the performance of your SUV or pickup.

4. Check Fluids Regularly

There are a few basic fluids in your car that are very important. All these fluids, from brake fluid to coolant, need to be in the right concentration for your SUV or pickup to function efficiently. Here’s a short rundown of the fluids you should monitor regularly:

• Engine oil
• Coolant
• Brake fluid
• Transmission fluid
• Power steering fluid

5. Rotate and Balance Tires

Routine rotation and balance ensure consistent wear on your tires, which extends their lifespan and makes them safer. You can find inexpensive rotation and balancing services at most tire dealers, and you’ll see the most improvements if you do it every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. Rotating your tires also evens the wear, which can be especially important for SUVs and pickups, which are heavier and will strain the tires more.

6. Test Your Battery and Keep it Clean

Batteries are easily forgotten until they’re dead. Don’t end up stranded; check the health of your battery at least once every 12 months. Free battery testing from most auto parts stores will tell you if it’s time for a replacement or not. Keep the battery terminals free of corrosion, too, by brushing them off. The wire brush will do the job, and you’ll see your battery last longer and work better.

7. Keep an Eye on Brake Health

Brakes are important for safety, so make sure they are in excellent shape. Look for squeaking or grinding sounds, which are indicative of cracked brake pads. Depending on how much you drive and what kind of car you drive, you should replace the brake pads at least every 25,000 to 70,000 miles. If you hear strange noises or have weaker braking force, check your brakes immediately.

8. Keep it Clean Inside and Out

Although it doesn’t feel like regular maintenance, scrubbing your car keeps it in tip-top condition. Dirt and grime will wear down your paint, and road salt will cause rust. Wash your SUV or pickup often, especially in the winter. Inside, a quick vacuum and wash can make your car smell better and keep debris away. Even if you’re only driving around campus, a sterile car really does make a difference when it comes to how comfortable it feels to drive it.

A Smooth Ride All Year Round

Maintaining an SUV or pickup as a student need not be overwhelming or expensive. These easy methods can keep your car running smoothly without investing a fortune or taking a ton of time. Maintenance keeps you from paying the high price of repairs and keeps your car safer and your drives smoother. Keep in mind that a little effort now saves a lot of trouble down the road!