Be patient if you are experiencing a break-in
Now that you’ve purchased your dream car, you want it to last as long and in the best condition as possible. As you drive it off the lot, here are a few things to keep in mind:
During the break-in period, usually the first 1,600 km (1,600 miles), you should keep your speed below 55 mph (88kpm) or the recommended rate by your vehicle manufacturer.
Avoid heavy loads such as trailers and construction materials on the roof rack, trunk, or rear.
This is a good idea for your car’s life but is especially important during the break-in period. Oil pressure may not reach all parts of your engine if you allow it to idle for long periods.
Use only a light to medium accelerator for the first few minutes of driving. Keep the engine RPMs at or below 3,000.
Drive safely every day
After a break-in, being car considerate doesn’t end. If you carefully drive, your vehicle will thank you for your daily care.
Avoid racing your car’s starter during startup. It is easy to wear out your engine by running it, especially when it’s cold.
When you first begin to drive, accelerate slowly. In the first 10-20 minutes, the engine and drivetrain are most worn out.
It is not wise to warm the engine in the driveway. This will result in incomplete combustion of fuel, soot on the cylinder walls, oil contamination, and, eventually, damaged components.
Shift to neutral when you see a red light. Otherwise, your car’s engine will continue to work to move the vehicle even if it is stopped.
Do not drive at high speeds or accelerate quickly, mainly when the weather is hot or cold. This driving style will lead to more frequent repair work.
Drive carefully to extend the life of your tire. Respect posted speed limits. Avoid sudden stops and turns. Avoid potholes, objects, and other road hazards. When parking, avoid hitting the tire or the curb. Don’t, of course, burn rubber.
Don’t keep your steering wheel in extreme positions for longer than a few moments. This can damage the power steering pump.
Combine your short trips. Most wear and tear and pollution from your car occur in the first few moments of driving. Do several errands in a short period during times when traffic is low. This will make your engine last longer. )
Purchase gas from reputable service stations
Ask if gas is filtered on the pump. Also, ask if there are any policies in place to change the filter at the pump regularly. Find another gas station if you are treated with a lot of nonsense. Some gas stations do not have pump filters, which makes you more susceptible to dirty gasoline. Some stations mix fuel and alcohol incorrectly, or worse still, dilute their product. Choose a station that you can trust and stay with it.
Do not fill up when you see a tanker
Come back the next day or visit a different gas station if you see a tanker of gasoline filling up tanks at your local station. Turbulence from the underground tanks can cause sediment to be stirred up. Residue can clog your fuel filter and fuel injectors resulting in poor performance.
Take it easy when you get stuck
Don’t damage expensive components when stuck in mud, snow, or ice. It’s OK to rock the car to try and free it gently. If you think that your vehicle is stuck, stop trying to move it. The heat generated by repeatedly putting your vehicle in reverse and reversing it, or spinning the tires at high speed, can cause transmission, clutches, and differentials to malfunction. In the long run, calling a tow truck may be more cost-effective than risking expensive repairs. You should always keep a traction device in your trunk. This could be sand or gravel.
Your vehicle will not survive the winter without these fixes.
Lighten up your keychain
Do you share your car key with 12 or more keys? This is a heavy load on the key. Purchase a lightweight keychain to keep your ignition key separate from other keys. This will extend the life of your ignition switch. Only use the ignition key to start your car. When your ignition key “sticks,” it is a sign that your ignition switch may be about to fail. Replace it now before you end up stranded.
Preserve your car during long-term storage
Store your car properly if you use it for up to one month. This will prevent damage and costly repairs when you return.
Fill up the gas tank with gas to avoid condensation. Add fuel stabilizer to the gas tank and drive around the car a little to get the additive on the engine parts.
To protect the finish, wash and wax your car thoroughly.
Install a vapor barrier in your garage. You can use a 4-mil polyethylene drop cloth.
To help prevent brake corrosion, disengage the parking brake.
Place the car on jack stands to relieve the tires and wheels of weight.
Please remove the battery and disconnect it to prevent it from being drained. Put the battery in a trickle charger. You can drain the battery using a small bulb and recharge it periodically with a low-voltage charger.
To prevent moisture from entering the tailpipe, plug it into a rag.
Parking in the shade
A garage is the best place to store your vehicle. If a garage is unavailable, you can still minimize the interior damage caused by UV light and heat. Always park your vehicle in the shade. Use a car cover to reduce the impact of the sun if there is no shade, or you park under a tree and find that bird droppings are a problem. You’ll also have an excellent car on those hot, sunny days. There are two types of car shades: pleated ones that can be attached to the window frames with Velcro, the windshield posts using adhesive, or the glass itself (using suction cups).