A car can be a valuable investment, but only if it is well taken of. On the flip side, if you do not maintain it as it should, a car can be the single worst financial decision.
Below we’ll walk you through clever tips to maintaining your new (or old) car in the best condition.
Table of Contents
1. Change the Oil
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The number one secret to having your car running quietly and for years is in the oil. Ensure that you change the oil after every 3,000 miles. That’s to optimize your engine’s lifespan.
2. Maintain your Car’s Braking System
Statistics show that approximately 2% of all car accidents are caused by brake failure. Unfortunately, these accidents are often as a result of the driver’s negligence. The good news? Most brake systems in modern cars are designed to be replaced regularly. Thus, the chances of brake failure are quite low.
However, should you notice any mishap with your car’s brake system, consult with your mechanic as soon as possible, rest you get into a fatal crash.
3. Inspect and Maintain Tires
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Tires are one of the key components that determine the comfort, safety, and efficiency of any car. Therefore, they must never be ignored.
First, ensure that the tires you use are ideal for your car. Inspect and monitor your wheels regularly. And check that the wheel pressure is as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Replace your tires to prevent any flat tires, in case you notice any tread wear.
Another car maintenance routine that is often overlooked is wheel alignment. Rotate and align your wheels often for longer-lasting wheels and a smoother drive.
4. Check Your Air Filter
The air filter is responsible for cleaning the air entering the car’s engine. This air is necessary for smooth combustion of the fuel in the engine.
But a clogged engine will reduce your engine’s performance and might also be the root cause of most of your engine problems. And as you already know, the costs of repairing your car’s engine can add up pretty fast.
As a general rule of thumb, replace your air filters after every 12000 miles or 12 miles, whichever comes first.
5. Check Your Battery
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What if one late evening, after a busy day at work, you start your car, only to find that the battery has stopped working. Frustrating, right?
To avoid such a scenario, ensure that you check your car battery now and then. Check that the cables are connected properly to the terminals. Also, clean any mineral buildup, which may interfere with the connection to the terminals. And, if need be, clean the battery terminals for a better connection.
By checking your battery, you’ll catch any problems early enough. On average, a car battery lasts for approximately four to five years.
6. Clean Your Windshield
A dirty windshield may result in a serious accident. That’s because the driver will have blurred vision. Plus, the dust particles can accumulate on the window shield, causing scratched when you use the wipers.
In line with this, also remember to replace your car’s wipers regularly. When the wipers rub against the windshield, they wear out. And if not replaced, the worn-out wipers will scratch your windshield, which may damage your entire windshield.
7. Cover Your Car When not in Use
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Your car quickly depreciates when not in use. But here’s the secret to keeping your car’s paint remaining as good as new.
First, keep it away from the weather elements. Consider investing in a top-quality car cover. Or you can store your car in the garage. That will help in avoiding sunlight radiations, birds, trees, and other weather factors, which can be damaging to your car.
And during your day to day activities, when you are away from the garage, always park in the shade. That will reduce damage from heat and sunlight.
8. Wash Your Car Regularly
Other than the exterior, you must also clean the interior of your car. Because, if dirt particles accumulate, they can be abrasive to the interior fabric. And, bad odors can accumulate too.
Also, when washing the car, be keen to only use the appropriate tools. That way, you’ll achieve a sparkling finish while still protecting any delicate surfaces in the vehicle.
But care must be taken when cleaning the dash gauges. If you are too aggressive, you might end up scratching the lenses. And if there are too many scratches, reading the gauges can be quite tricky. Keeping clean your car will increase your car price if you ever decide to sell your used car in future.
9. Clean the Radiator
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Wash the exterior of the radiator with a soap solution and remove any debris on the radiator using a soft brush. It helps to prevent the radiator from overheating.
10. Drive Carefully and Smoothly
You must try as much as possible to drive carefully and smoothly, without overworking your car. That will help you save more fuel and lengthen your car’s lifespan. Rough driving increases the wear and tear of the components in your car.
11. Regular Servicing
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As humans, we need food and water to stay alive. Similarly, regular servicing ensures your car remains in the best condition and lasts for many years to come.
The frequency of service depends on a car’s mileage. Thus, be keen to ensure that your car is serviced as needed. Fortunately, most modern car’s dashboards have warning indicators that notify you in case your car needs maintenance.
12. Avoid Low Fuel Levels
Did you know that running on low fuel is a leading cause of clogging? That’s because when the fuel level is too low, the car’s fuel pump draws debris, air, and sediments often found in the bottom of the tank.
The debris and sediments lead to clogging. Worse still, it may cause corrosion to your filters and pumps. And although occasional low fuel is inevitable, try as much as possible to keep your fuel level high. It will save you the money you’d have otherwise spent in costly repairs.
13. Heed to all Warning Indicators Immediately
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The warning lights in the dashboards may appear even when the car seems to be working flawlessly. However, ignoring these warnings is one of the most costly mistakes. That’s because these warnings often flag a serious fault that could result in accidents or even a total car failure.
Check your manual or consult your mechanics to get in tabs with the meaning of different lights.
In Conclusion
There you have it! Those are the key tips and ideas to maintain your car in the best conditions. Always remember to check the oil, tires, air filter, brake system, radiator, battery, and always heed to all warning lights.
Also, wash your car regularly (both inside and outside) and cover your car when storing it away for long periods. If you have a car which you have kept in good condition you can get top money for that if you want to know what is worth of your car you can visit carsellzone.com.
