Gone are the days when a car was just a piece of luxury that people owned for showing their status. Nowadays, every family has a vehicle of their own. There are many for whom their car has become a significant extension of their home. Some have even decided to drop the plan of owning a house and rather go with a mobile home, as it gives them the freedom to live wherever their car takes them. For some, it is just a mode of transportation. For others, it is the best way to travel to different places. Whatever may be the reason, the vehicle is going to stay and will continue to be a significant part of man’s evolutionary development. That is why it is important to keep your car well-maintained so that you can enjoy all the benefits. Here are a few important car maintenance tips that will help you to keep your car in good condition.
People who love driving know how significant it is to maintain their car. Following some essential car tips and tricks will help you maintain your car’s value as an asset and keep it new. However, old, or new, all vehicles need regular maintenance to run effectively.
Few Important Car Maintenance Tips
Air filter- Cleaning the air filter is one of the several car tips and tricks that will keep your car well maintained for a long time. You require a new air filter every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever is first. You can contact a mechanic and give your car for a day. Or if car maintenance costs bother you, then you can change the air filter at your home itself.
Windshield wipers- You will have to change your windshield wipers after 6 months or after using it for a year. You probably tend to go a little longer before you ask your mechanic to replace them, but you should not deal with the risk of streaking while you put off an awkward trip to the auto parts shop. Setting up of wiper blades differs from one car to another, so you may have to follow the instructions mentioned in your car manual.
Oil and oil filter- Experts believe that you must change the car’s oil every 3,000 miles, but with improved products and cars running efficiently, you can change it every 5,000 miles. Whichever benchmark you plan to use, you can save money and time by changing it yourself. Before starting, keep these precautions in mind:
- Never change the oil when the engine is hot. Park your vehicle, allow it to cool, and then start.
- You will have to jack up your vehicle, so ensure that you are comfortable in handling a jack safely.
Changing oil is the dirtiest task among all the car maintenance tricks, but it is the most rewarding task also. Though you can find a lot of companies that are into providing new car care tips and quick car care services, when you think about visiting possibly four times in a year, the time commitment and expense adds up.
Go through the owner’s manual– Every car comes with a manual. One of the important car maintenance tips is to go through the manual to understand more details about your car. The owner’s manual will give you details like an engine oil change, service interval, and some troubleshooters. Therefore, reading a car manual can solve basic issues that you encounter during the car ownership. The service center or a mechanic will suggest going through the manual.
Check the fluids– Other than engine oil, there are many other fluids in your car. Some of the significant fluids of a car are brake fluid, coolant, AC coolant, washer fluid, and power steering fluid. Fill the fluids as per the mark. You can always take help from a mechanic. Changing fluids at regular intervals will help you in saving a lot of money and will keep your vehicle in good condition.
Check the battery– Everyone knows that without a battery, a car will not start. Batteries of the modern car are easy to maintain, and you need to only check them occasionally. Check the terminals of the battery to find if there is any damage or rust and clean them. Â If you are not using your vehicle for a long span of time, ensure that you run it at least twice a week to keep the battery running. On a longer run, changing the battery is simple.
Check the pressure of a tyre– You must check the pressure of the tires at least once every 10 days. Under-inflated tires not only affects the handling, but it also causes more fuel consumption. The tires will get damaged faster if the tires are under-inflated. Overinflated tires are not as safe as it might result in a burst. Always try to maintain the pressure suggested by the manufacturer.
Tail lamps and indicators– Do not underestimate the tail lamps and indicators. They are as important as headlamps. Brake lamps, tail lamps make your car look better when on the road, and indicators are meant for making your turns clearer to the other drivers. If one of these lamps does not function properly, you must get it checked at your local workshop. Along with these lamps, you must check the engine light too.
Daily inspection– Pay close attention to your vehicle. Eyeball your vehicle closely for a few minutes occasionally. Find fresh spots of fluid below your car and make sure you check your fluid levels daily. Lower the volume of the song and try to listen to your car when you start, when you drive at low speed, on the freeway, and during acceleration and braking. When components require replacement, you will often feel and hear them. It could make your vehicle safe and avoid costly repairs.
Do not ignore the ratting sound– You should not ignore the rattling sound coming from your car. If you are not sure where the sound is coming, then it is better to visit the service center and get it repaired. Strange noises indicate a problem coming up, so it is always better to fix it as soon as possible. Correcting such problems will save you from a repair job in the future.
Keep the interior and exterior clean– Cleaning the exterior and interior of your car is one of the most important car maintenance tips that you must follow always. Make sure you wash your car at least once every week and clean the interior too. Do not throw food items, water bottles, and any other unnecessary items inside your vehicle. Washing your car daily will help in protecting the paint as well as keeping the shine intact as new.
Replace the Timing Belt– If your car has a belt instead of a chain, then stick to the manufacturer’s proposed replacement interval-generally every 60,000 to 80,000 miles. Check the manual or better consult a dealer. Failure to replace the timing belt can result in a costly engine repair in the future.