Cars are expensive, even a used car will cost you quite a bit, and you need to take good care of them, so they can last. Many people don’t even think about extending the life of their car, then they end up getting surprised when they can no longer use their car. Mechanics have become expensive, but you don’t have to go through all that. Taking good care of your car can increase its life and also help you avoid spending thousands of dollars dealing with problems that could have been easily avoided. Below are some great tips that will go a long way in helping you extend the life of your car.
Changing the Oil
You have most likely heard people say that you need to regularly change the oil of your car since you got your driving license. Oil is important for a car because it lubricates and cools the tightly-packed parts of the engine of your car. If you fail to change the oil of your car on a regular basis, it will cause the metal-eating sludge to appear, reducing efficiency, and resulting in engine failure. Having to change your oil every 3,000 miles is nothing compared to the costs of repairing your engine.
Keeping up on Fluid Changes
Engine oil is not the only fluid you should give attention. There are other fluids that will need your attention, too. You will need to replace these fluids regularly. These fluids are radiator coolant, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid. If you are driving an all-wheel car, you will need to pay attention to transfer case fluid and differential fluids too. You should always be checking the fluid levels and conditions even if it is between services. You will be able to identify problems such as leaks more easily, which can be then fixed before it causes lots of damage. Consider checking the fluids after a few weeks.
Swap the Filters
Filters are responsible for stopping debris from entering the engine. Air filters are able to clean out the dust and dirt in the air, while the oil and fuel filters trap abrasive sediments. There is an owner’s manual that comes with the car, and it will advise you on when to replace your filters, although it is not always a specific schedule. It is common to have the oil filter changed during an oil change, but the environment you drive the car in will determine how often the filter needs to be changed.
Inspecting Your Tires
The tires are the direct connection between the road and your car. This is why it is very important to check the pressure and condition of the tires regularly. Good tires mean better fuel efficiency and safety. Proper tire maintenance will cause it to last longer, which is good for you, nobody likes spending a lot of money on new tires.
Keep the Car Clean
You need to ensure your car is clean inside and out. This will help you retain a higher resale value because it looks good. Consider washing it during the winter because the road salt won’t be able to cause rust, which can create holes in the metal. There is no one who looks forward o spending time inside a dirty car.
Staying on Top of Repairs
Many people usually put of repairs, but they don’t realize they are doing damage to their vehicle, and they will be forced to spend even more when they decide to do the repairs. If your car has a problem with the water pump, it needs to be repaired immediately, because it can lead to overheating and damage to your engine. If you ignore the squealing sounds the brake is making, you will be reducing your braking power. Do not ignore a problem any time you notice.
If Possible, Store the Vehicle in a Garage
If you have crammed the garage with old stuff, consider a yard sale so you can make some room for your car. When you keep a car inside the garage, it will be protected from elements, flora, and fauna, which can cause damage to the paint. During the winter, your car will not be cored in snow and ice.
Taking good care of your car will mean noticing the small problems and having them fixed as soon as possible.
