Your car is a vital part of your daily life and should be treated as such. If you’re busy with your schedule, it can be easy to forget the essential maintenance that your car requires to keep running. You can keep your car running smoothly and maintain its value by following a few easy tips.
Top 9 car care tips
You can maintain your car in excellent condition by treating it right. Here are a few car care tips that will help you get started.
Regularly clean your vehicle
Suppose you live in an area with a harsh climate; schedule routine wax and wash treatments every six months. This will help to protect the paint and stop corrosion caused by road salt. It’s also possible to do this yourself and save money. You want to maintain your car in good condition so it will not affect its value when it is time to sell.
Schedule routine maintenance
The suggested maintenance schedule for all vehicles is based on how many miles they have been driven. It can be found in the owner’s manual or by contacting the dealer.
Some cars allow you to go longer than six months between services. The mechanic will perform a multi-point check and an oil change to ensure the vehicle operates correctly. They also provide that worn items like air filters and windshield wipers must be replaced. The mechanic will check the fluid levels in your car and let you know if there are any problems.
You can save money by performing essential maintenance, including oil changes.
An oil change costs between $35 and $75, depending on your oil grade, the type of vehicle you drive, and where you live.
Don’t skip primary services
You will need to replace older parts with new ones when it comes time for an engine tune-up. Examples include spark plugs, oil, fuel filters, PCV (PCV valves), belts, and hoses. The model and make of your car will determine these items’ longevity. Ask the service department to estimate costs before tune-ups become necessary so that you are prepared.
Get your brakes checked
Cars.com suggests you check your brakes every time you rotate your tires or every six months.
If you notice any changes in your brakes, have them checked as soon as possible.
Check fluid levels regularly
Please choose a date each month for checking your fluid levels, and mark it on your calendar. You can create a checklist to help you know what to do at the right time.
Include engine oil, coolant, and power steering fluid. Check the transmission and brake fluids at least twice yearly, preferably once every six months.
Checking your fluid levels can be done anytime, but you may want to wait until the following oil change. Low fluid levels can indicate serious issues with your car. You will also likely end up spending more money in the future for repairs if you do not detect these issues.
Tire tread is important
There are two inexpensive ways to monitor a data-beam-element clicked=”ElementClicked” data beam-event=”click” data beam uid=”2″ and a data beam element clicked=”ElementClicked.” There are two inexpensive and easy ways to check the tread on your tires. You can use a penny or a tread gauge.
If you chose the second option, place the penny upside-down into the tread so that Abraham Lincoln’s head faces outward. You may need new tires if you can see Lincoln’s face. However, you should check with a tire shop to be sure.
Inflate your tires regularly
Tire inflation is essential for vehicle safety and fuel efficiency. You may get an alert when the tire pressure drops in a newer vehicle. If this feature is unavailable, you can purchase a tire pressure gauge to check the air level in your tires.
Check the sticker inside the driver’s door pillar to determine the correct inflation level for your vehicle. Inflate your tires if the pressure is too low.
Do not ignore sounds, smells, or leaks
Does your car leave fluids on the ground? When you turn it on, accelerate, turn a bend, sit at the traffic light, or back it up, does it make strange noises? You may notice strange smells coming out of your car.
These signs should be addressed, as they could indicate that your vehicle needs repairs. If you ignore these signs and delay investigating them, you may spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on future repairs.
Attention to Alerts
Please don’t ignore the icon, whether it is a check engine light or another one you haven’t seen before. Take your car to a mechanic to have it checked because the light is trying to tell you that something’s wrong. It’s better to be safe even if the problem isn’t severe.
Bottom line
Maintenance costs can be expensive depending on the model and make of your car. Preventative maintenance can save you money and prolong the life of your vehicle.