Cars are perhaps second only to houses as the most expensive purchase a person will make during their life. Like every piece of equipment, cars require regular maintenance as they are prone to wear and tear. There is no magic formula for getting your car in top shape, but there are relevant tips that can help.
Here are some of the best ways to keep your car strong and appealing to the senses:
Oil Gauge
To get your engine running smoothly, the oil should be changed at regular intervals. Make it a habit to check the oil levels once or twice a month. Change the oil every three months or every 5,000 miles you drive. The oil may need to be changed more often if you use the car in extreme weather or leave it idle for a long time. You should also note the type of oil, as every car has different specifications. Use the oil that is recommended by your car manufacturer.
Transmission Fluids
Transmission and differential oils need not be changed as often as engine oils, but they should be checked frequently. It is generally agreed that transmission fluids should be changed every 30,000 miles, but this depends on the car type.
Cooling Systems
Check the coolant every six months. You may only need to change it once in 2 years. If you often drive in hot weather, you may need to change the coolant at least once a year.
Brake Fluids
Check the brake fluids regularly. Bleed them and replace them every year. Brakes offer a level of security to cars. They prevent accidents, injuries, and unnecessary loss of lives.
Washing and Cleaning
Wash and vacuum your car regularly. Use a hose to remove unwanted substances and debris from the underside of your car.
Waxing
Wax your car once or twice a year. Waxing ensures the car paint remains in top condition and protects the body of the car from cosmetic damage.
Window Tinting
Give your car a clean look by tinting the windows. There are several other reasons you may want to tint your car windows:
- Aesthetics
- Safety
- Protection from ultraviolet light
- Comfort
- Privacy
- Energy savings
San Diego Auto Glass & Tint is a window tinting expert that can help you get high-end films for your needs.
Extreme Weather
Adverse weather conditions can cause untold damage to your car. Protect your car by parking in the shade or putting a covering over it.
Lubrication
Lubrication serves many functions:
- It reduces friction and wear
- It reduces corrosion of metal surfaces
- It decreases the core temperature of your car
Lubricate the moving parts of your vehicle regularly. You can begin with the chassis. Do this at least four times a year. Other parts that need lubricants include:
- Door hinges
- Latches
- Door locks
- Door seals
- Windows
- Wipers
- Wheel hubs
These parts should be lubricated at least once a year.
Servicing
Your car should be serviced at regular intervals. You can do this yourself or employ a mechanic. The car should be properly examined and cleaned. The wheel bearings should be greased. The following components should be included:
- Engine oil change
- Engine filter replacement
- Check lights
- Check tires
- Check exhaust
- Check brakes
- Check steering
- Check hydraulic fluid
- Check coolant levels
- Check cooling system (radiators, pumps, hoses)
- Check suspension
- Align steering
- Check battery condition
A full service is recommended, which includes a complete check of your car. You can also do an interim service where only the main parts of your car will be checked. How often you service your car will depend on certain factors:
- How old is the car?
- What is the make of the car?
- What is the model of the car?
- Is the car used on rural roads?
- Is the car used for motorway driving?
- How far do you travel with it?
The car’s manual should contain relevant details. Generally, an interim service should be done twice a year or every 6,000 miles, while a full service should be done every year or every 12,000 miles.
Tire maintenance
It is important to check the tires for the following:
- Tread depth
- Wear and tear
- Pressure
A proper tread depth will give your vehicle the required traction on the road, no matter the weather condition. Tread depth can be measured with a gauge. Knowing the measurement will help you decide whether you need to replace the tires.
Wear and tear can be caused by several factors:
- Under-inflated tires
- Overinflated tires
- Improper wheel alignment
- Damaged suspension
You should take your car to the mechanic for service if you observe these issues.
Tire pressure can be measured with an air-pressure gauge. If the tires are under- or over-inflated, they will not be in top condition and wear and tear will be worse.
No secret potion is available to make your car last as long as you want. If you follow the recommendations outlined in this guide, you can be sure to keep your car properly maintained, attractive to the eyes, and in top condition.
