Because of the many benefits owning a car has, you surely would want to have it in great condition for a very long time. What should you do to take good care of it?
Below are 5 important things to keep an eye on so that you can extend your car’s life and save on major repair expenses:
- Fuel and oil
A car is very similar to the human body in the sense that both need to be fed properly to function correctly. Before filling your car up with fuel, make sure that you are using the right one. You cannot just pump in gasoline into a diesel car or diesel into a gasoline car. Read your car owner’s manual to get the right information. Also, changing the oil every 6 months or 5,000 miles is crucial. Oil plays a key role in how your car functions, and if it is not changed regularly it can wear out your engine and cause very expensive maintenance issues.
- Battery
Your car battery dying is not something that you would want to happen. You could be left stranded for some time until a tow truck comes. To avoid this situation, you should get your battery inspected twice a year. Test it and check for corrosion, which is the white or blue powder on the terminals, and remove it with a cheap wire brush.
- Tires
About once or twice a month, you should check your car’s tire pressure to ensure safety on the road. If even just one of your tires is flat, your commute becomes more dangerous and you can cause damage to your wheel, alignment, brakes, steering system, suspension, and other components. You should also have an inflated spare tire ready, checking its air pressure once a month, to avoid having to call a tow truck and pay hundreds of dollars in case of an emergency.
- Brake pads
Hearing some squeaking when hitting the brakes is a sign that your brake pads should be replaced. To prolong your car’s brake pads, check that the brake fluid has not gone dark every time you do an oil change.
- Air filter and coolant
Having just the right temperature in the car gives everyone a comfortable and relaxing ride. To achieve this, you need to replace your air filter annually, or every 12,000 miles. You also have to stay on top of your coolant, checking it twice a year, to keep corrosion out and keep your AC and heater healthy.
Tip:
Want to know how your car’s tires, alternators, left side engine mount, right side engine mount, and other parts are doing? For your car to run smoothly for a long time, regular visits to an auto repair and maintenance service are recommended. From issues with wheel alignment and the starter to damage in the left side engine mount or right side engine mount, your mechanic can identify potential problems and come up with the best solution to get your car back up and running as soon as possible.
