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Poor maintenance can really suck the performance out of your vehicle, but many modern cars and trucks have different maintenance schedules. Use the owner’s manual to apprise yourself of the maintenance your specific vehicle requires so you can make sure to get it done.  Many vehicles will break down maintenance requirements by the number of miles on the vehicle. Look at how many miles are on yours, then compare it to the list of things that should have been done. Ignoring general maintenance will sap the vehicle’s performance and reduce the lifespan of the engine. If you don’t have the owner’s manual, this information can commonly be found on the manufacturer’s website. Too little or bad oil in your engine can not only reduce its power, it can lead to catastrophic engine failure. If it’s been more than 3,000 miles since your last oil change or the oil looks thick and black on the dipstick, slide a container beneath the oil pan and locate the drain plug (the only bolt sticking out of the pan). Remove the bolt and drain the oil into the container you slid beneath the vehicle.  Once it’s drained, replace the drain plug and unscrew the oil filter. Screw the new one on in its place and refill the engine with the appropriate kind and amount of oil. You can find the location of your oil filter, the type of oil, and how much is needed in the vehicle’s owner’s manual. if it’s not flowing. If your engine begins to struggle or even stalls on hills, then starts up and runs again after a few minutes, it’s likely because the fuel filter is getting clogged with sediment that will settle again when the engine’s not running. First, find the fuel filter along the line running from the gas tank to the engine, beneath your vehicle.  Remove the plastic clips on either side of the fuel filter, then unscrew the bolt holding it in place. Slide the new filter into the bracket and reinsert the bolt. Then connect the fuel lines to either side and slide the plastic clips into place to secure them. A clogged air filter can dramatically reduce the amount of power an engine produces. Open the airbox by releasing the clips holding it together. The air filter should be white and clean of debris. If it’s not, you’ll need to install a replacement.  If the air filter looks fine, make sure there is no debris in the air box, then close it up using the clips. A new air filter will drop into place after you remove the old one. Low tire pressure increases the amount of tire coming into contact with the road, which can make the vehicle feel underpowered or sluggish. Check the air pressure in your tires using a tire gauge, then look on the side of the tire to see what the pressure rating should be. The pressure rating will be clearly indicated on the tire as “maximum pressure” followed by “PSI” for pounds per square inch.  Underinflated tires are also prone to blowouts, due to damaging the sidewall as you drive. Low tires will also harm fuel economy. if they’re bad. Most vehicles need new spark plugs every 30,000 miles or so, but you should replace them any time they show signs of damage. Disconnect the plug wire going into the spark plug, then use a spark plug socket to unscrew and remove it. Once the new plug is gapped properly, just screw it in where you removed the old one. Repeat that process for each spark plug.  Use a gapping tool to gap the new spark plugs before you install them. Insert the gapping tool into the gap between spark plug and its electrode, and just rotate the tool until its at the right measurement. Get the gap measurement from your vehicle’s repair manual or the manufacturer’s website. Be sure to reconnect the spark plug wires to the same cylinders you disconnected them from.
Check the owner’s manual for required maintenance. Change the oil every 3,000 miles unless otherwise specified. Swap in a new fuel filter Replace the air filter if it’s dirty. Check your tire pressure and add air if necessary. Swap in new spark plugs