The priority of every car owner is to provide proper maintenance. It’s the best way to ensure that your vehicle stays in optimum condition for years to come. Regular maintenance can boost the lifespan of your car while making it look brand new. Make sure that you follow a maintenance routine to ensure that your car performs at its best.
Weekly inspections of your vehicle significantly help in saving on costs. You can readily identify areas that require attention. When you replace old or worn-out components, your car will not be prone to breaking down and giving you costly repairs.
Always remember that preventive maintenance is the best way to start. Remember that you can do most of the regular maintenance yourself. In case you’re not confident with your skills, it might be best to consult a professional. If you ignore regular maintenance, it’ll only lead to costly repairs. The ideal way to keep you and your vehicle happy is to carefully follow the manual and a regular maintenance schedule. Now, here are the rest of the things you can try:
1. Cover Your Vehicle
Although it might seem simple enough, don’t overlook the need to cover your car. Protecting your vehicle against direct sunlight, trees, and birds can keep the paint in good condition for years. Weather elements, UV radiation, and nature can take their toll on your vehicle.
Besides regular washing and applying a protectant on plastic and rubber components, investing in a good car cover is crucial. An alternative is to build a shed or a metal garage to protect your vehicle. If you opt for the latter, you can find more info here. Meanwhile, you should keep the shed’s exterior in good shape to prevent damage or leaks that can affect your vehicle inside.
Make sure that you use the car cover or park your vehicle in a shed at all times to keep it looking its best.
Car covers are an essential piece of equipment for any driver, whether you live in an area with extreme weather, or you leave your cars sitting for long periods of time. There are a few things to keep in mind when selecting a cover, such as what material is best for your situation. Outdoor car covers are made from a variety of materials, including Satin, canvass, polyester etc… Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose one that will work best for your needs. If you’re going to be storing your car outdoors you will need to make sure you look at waterproof car covers, if you want more info on waterproof car covers click here. While if you store your cars indoors, you’ll likely want a satin cover that will mainly protect it from scratches, and dust build up. Either way, covering your car is incredibly important to ensure your car stays in top shape.
2. Read The Owner’s Manual
Your maintenance routine will depend on the type of your car. A widespread misconception is that you need to change the oil after reaching 3,000 miles, but it’s not always the case.
The first task that you should do once you bring home your car is to carefully read the manual to double-check what your vehicle requires during maintenance. If you don’t read the manual, you might end up using the wrong oil on your vehicle’s engine and result in significant damage.
3. Inspect The Air Filter
Blocked air filters or loose fittings bring about the majority of car issues. The air filter is responsible for preventing the entry of dirt and particles into the engine. During combustion, the engine requires air, and when your car has a clogged filter, it can disrupt overall performance.
It would be best if you change the air filters every 12 months or after reaching 12,000 miles. Avoid overlooking this maintenance aspect as it can result in issues with the engine or the cabin.
4. Inspect Fluids And Tire Pressure Regularly
Tire pressure is an essential aspect of your regular maintenance routine. The tires are vital to safety, comfort, and efficiency. Make it a priority to inspect the tires regularly to save time and money. The tire pressure, wheel balance, and tire rotation will ensure a safe and comfortable drive. Regular maintenance and care can prolong your tires’ lifespan and ensure safety while on the road.
Aside from your tires, always check the car fluids. Check the hood once the engine cools down and remove the oil dipstick. Make sure to clean it thoroughly and put it back again. Check the oil level as well as the color. Replace the oil during regular maintenance periods. Perform routine inspection of the tires and fluids to ensure the best performance of your vehicle.
5. Check The Brakes
There are several reasons the brakes fail to work correctly, such as a brake fluid leak or issues with the rotors or brake pads. It’s crucial to inspect the brakes, especially the brake pads and brake fluid reservoir.
6. Maintain Proper Tire Rotation And Balance
One way to effectively prevent your tires from wearing out early and to lengthen their life span is to do tire rotation every 6,000 to 8,000 miles. Remember that tires don’t wear down at the same degree. By alternating the front and rear tires, you balance the wear and allow them to last longer.
Proper alignment is also essential. If the tires aren’t in proper alignment, it can result in issues with steering. In some cases, it might even cause you to lose control, increasing your risk for accidents.
7. Inspect The Timing Belt
The timing belt is one of the crucial components of the engine. It’s responsible for coordinating the movement of the valves and pistons. If the timing belt is damaged, it can disrupt the engine, which will require a costly repair job.
If you regularly inspect the timing belt which only takes a few minutes, it will help save you from any trouble in the future. Note down any red flags of a damaged timing belt such as a misfiring engine, ticking engine sound, or oil leakage. If necessary, you need to replace the timing belt based on the manual of your vehicle. In most cases, the change interval is between 60,000 to 105,000 miles.
8. Windshield And Wipers
When you have a dirty windshield, it can be a hassle if it disrupts your vision. The windshield requires care to ensure safe driving at all times. It’s essential to clean it regularly as dirt and debris can build up and even result in scratches.
If the rainy season is coming, inspect the wipers and get a replacement if necessary. If the wipers are damaged, they can scratch the glass and obstruct your view.
9. Change The Spark Plugs And Wires
The spark plugs help improve engine performance and prevent cold-starting and misfiring issues. Most manuals recommend replacing the spark plugs after 30,000 miles. Once you decide to change the spark plugs, you should also change the wires for better electricity flow.
Conclusion
If you want your vehicle to always stand out at its best and stay in good working order, these maintenance tips can significantly help. You should follow a regular maintenance routine to keep your car in optimum shape and safe at all times.
