How To Properly Take Care Of Your Car: Find Out Here
One of the most exciting milestones in anyone’s life is when they’re able to finally get their own car. Getting a new car is one of the most exciting experiences! The smell of the new interior, the first blow of cool air out of the brand new AC, and the bright dashboard and steering wheel entice you to start the engine and hit the roads. Owning a car has many benefits that include taking the load off of commuting in crowded cities and constantly spending money on different means of transportation. However, owning a car comes with a cost, as you have to take good care of your car so you don’t end up paying a considerable amount of money on repairs and maintenance every year! Moreover, just like our homes, our cars say a lot about us and reflect our personality and lifestyle, so keep yours clean and shiny! Keeping your car in good condition will also increase its selling price if you ever decide to sell it one day. Read on, as in this article we will provide you with tips on how to properly take care of your car.
Keep the Windshield Clean
It is recommended that you keep your windshield clean all the time, as nothing should ever obscure the view of the road in front of you. While driving, many things cling and stick to the windshield like dirt, birds’ droppings, and bugs. The accumulation of all these things will obscure the view of the road. Moreover, a clean windshield has many benefits, like a better view of the road during bad weather and reducing the wear and tear of the wipers. Next time you are fueling up your car, use the wait time to give your windshield a good wipe.
Tire Pressure
Maintaining the correct tire pressure will ensure that your tires last longer, which in turn will save you money spent on frequent tire changes. The tires’ pressure should not be over or under the tire air pressure recommended by the manufacturer. Many road accidents occur as a result of under-inflated or over-inflated tires. The tire pressure is not something that you should ignore or postpone, as it can lead to serious damage to your car and can put your safety at risk. Checking the tires’ air pressure every time you go to fill up your car keeps them well-maintained.
Small Repairs
To keep your car functioning properly and avoid any further damage, don’t postpone fixing minor damages. Many small cracks or bumps escalate over time to the point that the damaged part will need replacement rather than repair. As seen on this website, car glass can be repaired or replaced- it all depends on the severity of the damage. However, if you fix that small crack on your windshield before it grows, you won’t have to replace it. Usually, postponing fixing damages leads to paying a lot of money on spare parts and costly repairs. Fixing minor damages soon after they occur can protect you against road accidents.
Maintenance Schedule
Following the maintenance schedule recommended by the manufacturer is of utmost importance to keep your car running smoothly and functioning properly. This kind of maintenance is not required as frequently as the above tasks, however, it is very important. Your maintenance schedule should include checking the tire rotations, changing the oil, replacing the transmission, and other much-needed tasks for your safety and protection from breakdowns. Bear in mind that some mechanics suggest more frequent dates than needed, so make sure that you take your car to a trusted mechanic.
Keep It Clean
Give your car a good wash every now and then. Your location will determine how frequently your car should be washed: for example, once a month is perfect for cars that are located in cities with less pollution. On the other hand, if you live by the sea or somewhere where pollution levels are high, it is better to wash your car two to three times per month. This way, you will guarantee that sea salt or pollutants will not eat away at the paint or damage the exterior and decrease its resale value. As for the inside, you need to keep it clean all the time. Throw out the trash on a daily basis and dust the dashboard twice a week. If you stain any of the seats, get the car seats properly cleaned as soon as possible before it becomes too hard to remove the stains and they leave permanent marks.
Air Filter
To increase fuel efficiency, you need to change your air filter every twelve thousand miles. This way, your car’s emissions will be reduced, and the engine will last longer. Changing the air filter is an easy task, so you can do it yourself without needing to head to your mechanic. However, make sure that you research how to change an air filter before you do it yourself.
Check the Oil Level Frequently
It will cost you nothing to check the oil levels in your car every other time you go to the gas station. This way, you will guarantee that there is always enough oil in your car and avoid unfortunate road surprises. While this task can be done easily and quickly, ignoring your car oil levels might end up going kaput! If your car needs refilling for a quart of oil each five hundred miles, be sure to check for leaks, since it should not be consuming that much oil.
Keeping your car clean and well-maintained doesn’t take much effort, but it does require consistency. The resale value of a well-maintained car is high. On the other hand, if you decide to sell your car when it is dented or not damaged, you will lose much of the resale value. Maintaining your car will also save you a lot of money, as car repairs and spare parts needed due to wear and tear or minor damages are expensive. Safety comes first, and in order to drive safely and enjoy your rides, you need to take good care of your car.
