Do you want to be sure your car stays in top condition? Perhaps you want to try something new, or your current methods aren’t working well. If so, we have the answers you need!
Generally, your vehicle will last a while without experiencing damage. But you can make it last even longer with the right car maintenance tips. Moreover, it could function and appear better.
We’ve put together eight practical tips to keep your car in its best condition. Here’s where to start.
1. Change Oil
Overlooking an oil change affects your car more than you think. An oil problem with your vehicle is more expensive to fix than to change.
It can lead to severe car issues that affect its performance. If you overlook an oil change, it risks your engine wearing out, leading to possible engine failure.
Before you worry about your car engine shutting down, check and change your oil regularly. You can view the oil levels in your car by opening the hood and locating the dipstick, a thin metal rod.
Pull the out the stick and wipe it clean. Dip it back into the oil port, then take it out to see where it stops. You should get an oil change if it’s close to the “low” line.
2. Monitor Tires
Caring for a car also means keeping the vehicle and the rest of its parts functional. So, it’s vital to monitor the condition of your tires.
One way is by ensuring proper tire inflation. Besides keeping you safe on the road, it also allows optimal fuel efficiency.
You can use a tire pressure gauge to check on the air levels. If you have a newer car, view the pressure levels on the dashboard.
Likewise, you should also pay attention to the tire tread. Low tread could cause you to lose control of your car when you drive in the rain, snow, or mud.
Placing a coin in the tread groove is a quick way to measure its depth. If it doesn’t cover more than a third of the currency, it’s a sign you’re running low on tread.
3. Be Wary of the Battery
Next to your engine, you should also pay close attention to your car battery. Most recommend testing it at least twice yearly and watching out for corrosion.
When your battery is corroding, you might find material that looks like white or bluish powder on the metal knobs. It can lead to various expensive car repairs besides replacements.
If you notice corrosion in your car battery, remember not to touch it with bare hands as it’s dangerous. You can clean a corroded car battery with baking soda or battery cleaning spray.
Cleaning it during auto maintenance is one way to prevent corrosion, cracks, and other battery damage.
4. Replace Cabin Air Filter
The cabin air filter protects your engine from dirt, debris, and bugs. A dirty filter affects gas mileage and emissions. It could also cause problems with your air conditioning system.
Replace your cabin air filter at least once a year or whenever you hit 12,000 miles. Upon inspection, if your air filter looks dirty, changing it on the spot is best instead of waiting longer.
5. Check Coolant Levels
Coolant is what keeps your engine operating at the right temperature. If your car runs low on it, your engine could start heating up. Sometimes, it causes the metal in your machine to warp and fail.
Low coolant also implies there are other problems with your vehicle. So, it’s crucial to know your coolant levels to extend the lifespan of your car.
Before you check it, let your car sit with the engine off for about an hour. Coolant gets hot and builds pressure when your car runs, so it’s vital not to skip this step.
Open your car’s hood and look for the coolant tank. Check the level indicator on its side. If it’s low, consider refilling it soon.
6. Switch Out Lights
When you give your car maintenance, check all the lights, from the head and back lights to signals. If anything appears dimmer than usual, don’t hesitate to switch them out for new ones.
7. Inspect Smaller Parts
Some people usually only check on the significant parts of a car when they do an auto maintenance check. But to keep your vehicle in top condition, you should include the smaller components.
Your car’s suspension system is an example. It supports your car on the road and improves driving quality.
When they stop working, it could turn into an uncomfortable ride. Check its parts once in a while to ensure you replace them before it gets worse.
Other examples are belts and hoses. Owning a car with worn-out belts means you have to face other damages. Moreover, a weak radiator hose could affect how your engine runs or cause it to stop operating.
Although it takes a while for them to wear, it’s best to inspect these during maintenance and replace them when necessary.
8. Add Extra Protection
Cars can withstand several conditions, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe from all types of damage. One common problem is rust, which affects most, if not all, parts of your car.
A rusty car damages the function and appearance of your vehicle, so you want to avoid them as much as possible. A solution to this is by installing extra protection to your car’s layers.
You can look up vehicle rust proofing near me to find services. Keeping your car clean also helps prevent rust from building up.
Get Superior Vehicle Performance With These Car Maintenance Tips
Applying the appropriate car maintenance tips is the key to maintaining a well-kept vehicle. It goes from monitoring your car’s inner functions to watching over exterior parts. Check on them regularly to catch issues before they worsen.
Browse our blog for more of these tips!