In my opinion, a new car or used car is an important
investment whether for personal or for family use, although it entails a lot of
care when owning one. While it is important for the car to have regular
maintenance, it is just as important that owners develop some basic habits to
keeping the car in top shape at home, ready for driving at any time.
Used cars need extra hard work to care for since they are
more difficult and more expensive to maintain than new cars. Anyway, both new
and used cars must be well taken care of to guarantee their dependability and to
prevent breakdowns, especially when you are on the road. A routine maintenance practice will help in extending the life of your car other than keeping your
car performing at its peak. Moreover, a routine maintenance practice will also
save you a lot of money in repairs.
Below are our 9 basic car care tips for you.
1. Engine
care during start-up –
Avoid accelerating the engine during start-up because the
oil in its engine still settling down. Quickly accelerating adds to the wear of
the car engine.
2. Drive
slowly first –
When you start to drive, accelerate slowly. Be
considerate to your car and you will be compensated with longer time intervals
between repairs. Additionally, shift to neutral at red lights to give the
engine some time to rest.
3. Regularly change engine oil and filter -
A frequent oil change is vital in maintaining a car, more so
if it is a used car. Many car manuals of today recommend increasing the
interval between oil changes. Frequent oil change flushes abrasive dirt and
metal particles out of the engine, thus prolonging the engine’s life. As
always, change the oil filters every oil change.
4. Change spark plugs -
Change spark plugs every 50, 000 km but sooner for used
cars. Changing spark plugs as recommended ensures good fuel mileage and high
engine performance.
5. Cleaning car’s engine regularly -
6. Maintain the car’s battery -
Regularly check your car’s battery to extend its life, no
matter if the manufacturer claims that the battery is maintenance-free. Start
cleaning the battery’s terminals with a damp cloth. Add some detergent if
needed. Moreover, check the battery’s case for any sign of cracks or bulges,
signs that the battery needs to be replaced.
7. Taking care of the car’s tires -
Regularly check the tire pressures to its recommended
specified pressure. Also, look for its uneven wear. Maintaining the recommended
tire pressure may prolong the life of the car’s tires, otherwise, the uneven
wear may suggest that it is time for a wheel realignment. It may also suggest a
bent wheel, worn-out brakes, damaged shock absorbers, or internal tire damage.
Additionally, have a car’s wheel alignment checked every 50,000 km.
8. Wash your car at least once a week –
Properly washing your car internally and externally may free
it from corrosion, aside from just being shiny and clean! Spilled liquids such
as sodas and juices can be corrosive, dirt particles are abrasive, and both are
basic foes of the car. Vacuum the car interior thoroughly, wipe the dashboard
with a soft, clean damp cloth, and remove the mats out and brush or hose them
down separately.
9. Wax your car -
Waxing a car regularly slows down oxidation and protects the
car’s paint. Waxing also creates a barrier against bird droppings, specks of
dust, and pollution. Additionally, it also makes the car looks great by adding
that extra sparkle.
Conclusion
It is vital to your car’s health as well as your financial capabilities
to form a relationship with a trusted mechanic. Maintaining the same mechanic
throughout a car’s life lets them get to know your car well, its full history,
and its individual idiosyncrasies. This can make troubleshooting easier, for
the car, the mechanic, and especially to the budget.