This may come as a surprise but all your car really needs is regular, proper care and maintenance. The problem is many persons ignore little issues with their car and only take it to the mechanic for the “big” issues. However they fail to realize that spending a small amount of cash on one small issue can save thousands of dollars when that issue eventually escalates to something big. With that in mind, here are a few basic tips that can help keep your car functioning well for as long as possible:
- Take your vehicle to the mechanic regularly for maintenance. Maintenance includes regular oil changes, fuel and air filter changes to name a few.
- Do regular self checks of the tires (make sure they are well inflated) and the body (for any exterior damages). Check for leaking fluids underneath the vehicle and smoke in the vehicle exhaust aside from what is normal. Also, check all the fluid levels; essentially they should be above the minimum line and below the maximum line.
- Flush the cooling system and change the coolant yearly. Some persons recommend a 50/50 mixture of the coolant and distilled water to keep it in good shape and protect it from corrosion.
- Keep battery cables free of dirt and corrosion; change the car battery every five years.
- Replace windshield wipers once a year and refill the washer solvent when needed.
- Inspect all the lights on a regular basis (headlights, turn signals, hazard lights etc.) and replace any bulbs that have been burnt out as soon as possible.
- Have the car tires rotated and balanced regularly, and make sure the spare tire is in excellent condition. Also, ensure you have the necessary equipment for changing a flat tire (even if you do not change it yourself).
- Change the oils ad oil filters regularly. These include transmission, brake, power steering and coolant fluids. They do not require as frequent service as other aspects of the car, but they must be changed nonetheless. It is very important that you use the recommended oils for your vehicle. Although persons believe checking the levels is enough, simply topping off with oils, ensuring they are at the recommended levels is not enough as they degrade over time. Changing the oils is beneficial as it gives the engine longevity.
- Clean the vehicle regularly; the inside, outside and the underside.
- Lubricate ALL the necessary areas, especially the joints.
- Wax the vehicle at least once every six months. It can make an old paint job look good as new.
- Park the vehicle in the shade and also use a deflector screen. This protects the interior plastic of the vehicle by preventing it from drying out.
- Bleed the brake system once a year. As noted previously brake fluid should be changed regularly. This is important as this fluid attracts moisture easily and this moisture can cause corrosion.
- Inspect, clean and repack wheel bearings with wheel bearing grease.
- Drive less – the less you drive the longer the car will last. If there are some places you can easily walk, do so without driving. Similarly, avoid short trips as these can cause unnecessary wear and tear.
- When shopping for a new car, choose carefully. Choose a car that has parts that are easily accessible.
- Drive gently –avoid sudden stops and accelerate slowly.
- Be sure to pay attention to any warning lights that may be on, including the engine oil light, the engine temperature gauge and the brake light. Many drivers often ignore these lights to their and their car’s peril. Any issues the car has, no matter how minor they are, should be checked sooner rather than later.
- Do not overload the car with items. This can weigh down the car unnecessarily. The extra weight can cause unnecessary wear and tear.
- Get your full climate control system regularly inspected. This includes the heating and air conditioning systems.
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