It’s no big secret that a lot of us want to have a car. A car, after all, is one of the most significant investments you’ll make in life. Since it’s second to getting a house of your own, taking care of your car should also be a priority.
People use cars and other vehicles to get around and work. If a car doesn’t function properly, it can become a hazard for the driver, the people inside the vehicle, and to those who are nearby
Besides, your car is a reflection of you and your personality. If a vehicle is well-maintained, it may say to others that the owner is responsible and trustworthy. Indeed, having a car is a blessing and requires the owner to be responsible in handling and taking care of it. Here are some tips to help you maintain your vehicle:
Don’t ever go cheap when it comes to oil
A lot of the most important things that make your car run are fluids. Fluids such as oil, brake fluid, coolants, and even your windshield wiper fluids all have essential functions in your car. It’s always advisable to check your fluid levels whenever you go out on a long trip. Car oil, in particular, helps the engine of your car to function properly.
Your engine will have lots of moving parts which work together and cause friction. Friction produces heat, which is never a good thing for any moving parts in your engine. The car oil is the one responsible for absorbing heat and lubricating these moving parts. For used cars, you need to change your oil once every three months or once every 3,000 miles.
Don’t leave it out in the open
How would you feel if you were left out in the blazing sun or the unforgiving cold? Don’t ever leave your cars out in the open as they would also “feel” the same way. If possible, park your car in a shady area away from fruit-bearing trees or always park it in your garage.
Exposure to extreme heat can cause a lot of problems for your car. For one, the liquids inside your battery can evaporate and render it useless. Heat also causes gas to evaporate faster, causing you to refuel a lot more than usual. Tires also aren’t safe from the heat as the heat can dry them out. If your tires aren’t properly inflated, it may cause a blowout.
The cold also doesn’t show any mercy to most vehicles. Increasingly cold temperatures can draw away the voltage from your car battery, making your car difficult to start. Fluids in your vehicle also begin to freeze at specific temperatures.
Go for a Carwash
Most people often leave don’t even bother washing their cars for weeks or even months. When you don’t wash your car, a lot of debris and other foreign materials can get into your engine and can mess up your car. Your car won’t also look good if there’s a lot of dirt laying on it. Road salts can also form when you’re not washing your car regularly.
Road Salts are used to altering the freezing point of water and prevents the roads from freezing. During the summer, these salts are often left behind on the road and can accumulate in the undercarriage. Salts can accelerate rusting and can damage important parts underneath your car.
Wash your car properly to avoid any problems like the one mentioned above. If you don’t have the time or the equipment to do so, you can go to a professional car wash services so they can take care of your vehicle. It’s advisable that you wash your car once a week or at least three times a month.
Maintenance Checks
Once in a while, your car will have occasional hiccups. If that happens, then it’s best to take it to a mechanic or a service center like Lemon Squad. These professionals can provide you a car inspection checklist to look for any more potential problems.
Think of these maintenance checks as part of your investment in your car. For brand new cars, get a maintenance check for the first few thousand miles. For used vehicles, you might have to do more inspections than usual. Remember, the older the car, the more care it requires
Drive Carefully!
Being a careful driver means that you’re a responsible driver. Believe it or not, following road rules can actually benefit you and your car. Drive safely and avoid speeding. Speeding is responsible for 26% of car fatalities.
Most people also think that speeding on bumps won’t do any damage to your car. Your suspension will suffer if you insist on speeding on-road speed bumps. Even if you do still manage to be safe while speeding, you might get citation ticket from an officer which can cost you money.
Takeaway
Your car is one of the most valuable possessions you’ll have in your life. It’s only proper that you take care of it as you’ll use it for a lot of purposes. Regularly maintaining your car improves its lifespan and removes any potential hazards that can cause accidents.
Simple activities such as changing the oil, washing your car, or even driving carefully can help in taking care of your vehicle. Always drive safely and follow the rules when driving.
