Owning a vehicle is more than just driving it around from one place to another. Regular maintenance and inspections are important to keeping your car working optimally. Apart from oil changes and tire rotations, you should take the time to check the automotive fasteners responsible for the structural integrity of your vehicle. By doing so, you can avoid bigger problems and costly repairs.
Common Fastener Issues
Fasteners usually come into contact with harsh environments and conditions, such as freezing weather, high temperatures, road vibrations, and exposure to water, salt, and chemicals. These can cause corrosion or weakening of joints and can compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle. Corrosion can also make disassembly very difficult, while vibrations can cause fasteners to loosen or become misaligned.
The more quickly you can identify these issues, the faster you will be able to address them.
Regular Inspections
Make a habit of performing regular inspections of the automotive fasteners in your vehicle. Visually inspect exterior panels, under the hood, and on the wheels. Check for rust, wear and tear, corrosion, breakage, or loosening.
Address these issues immediately or take your vehicle into the shop to get things looked at.
You may also consider purchasing a torque wrench so that you can check that the fasteners on the engine, suspension, brakes, and other critical components are tightened correctly. This is because over-tightened and under-tightened fasteners can also lead to issues.
Fastener Maintenance
There are several steps you can take to properly maintain and care for automotive fasteners.
Tighten Loose Fasteners Promptly
Immediately tighten any loose fasteners you find during your inspections. Don’t over-tighten them.
Use Anti-Corrosion Products
Placing a protective barrier on components can keep moisture and other elements out of joints and critical parts. Anti-seize is critical to preventing corrosion. Just ensure that you are using the correct type of compound for the materials you are joining together, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application.
Replace Damaged Parts
You should always replace any fasteners you find that are severely rusted or damaged. Don’t try and reuse them, as they have compromised strength. Fasteners are usually inexpensive, so this small investment can go a long way in keeping you safe and preventing bigger issues down the road.
Inspect the Suspension
One area of your vehicle that requires special attention is the suspension. These parts undergo high stress daily and can become loose over time. Inspect this area more often and tighten any loose fasteners for your safety and optimal performance.
Quality Automotive Fasteners
Always purchase the best quality fasteners you can find, as they help ensure your safety and the longevity of your vehicle. High-quality fasteners can more easily resist the stress of every driving and weather and may resist corrosion and damage more easily.