Nearly everyone possesses or at least drives a motor vehicle. However, not too many people know how to practice good car care. Because your vehicle is both an expensive possession and invaluable in your everyday life, you want to ensure it is properly taken care of. Here are three essential car care tips to keep in mind.
- Perform Regular Maintenance
Your car is less likely to experience catastrophic failure or have issues if you simply perform regular maintenance on it. Oil should be changed per the manufacturer’s recommendations or as needed depending on the type of oil you use. Tires should be rotated every 7,000 miles or so to avoid uneven wear. Your mechanic will provide a standard check-up at each maintenance session as well. This can detect issues early that may become major problems later, such as a cracked belt breaking or worn tires that could burst. Always perform preventative maintenance to help ensure you don’t end up stuck on the side of the road.
- Keep It Clean
There are a number of reasons to keep your car clean. Keeping the car clean can keep the paint from wearing away and thus prevent the vehicle from rusting. You should check for rust both on the body of the car and on the undercarriage. Treat any you find with haste. Keep clutter and trash out of the vehicle. Be sure to wash and wax the vehicle as well on a somewhat regular basis. The interior can be cared for with leather care products, upholstery cleaner, a vacuum, dashboard wipes and window glass cleaner. Keeping the car clean can help lessen any allergy symptoms you may have and it is common courtesy to any passengers who may ride with you. A nice-looking, clean car will give passengers a very different impression of you than a dirty, cluttered car will.
- Don’t Ignore A Problem
One of the worst things you can do is ignore a problem in your car. If your car begins making strange noises or behaves in a different or worrying way, it’s time to take it in to your mechanic. Be sure to document what exactly is going on, when it is happening and what circumstances surround it. If the car is making a strange noise, consider trying to get an audio recording of the sound because it is not uncommon for mechanics to be unable to replicate the noise even if there is actually something wrong. Never, ever ignore the check engine light, and consult your owner’s manual with any questions. This can help you figure out what is normal for your car and what is not.
Most cars do not require significant amounts of care, but you do want to take care of the basics. Doing proper maintenance, repairs and cleaning will not only keep your car looking nice and in top shape, but it can also prevent serious safety hazards. It will also save you money over time because your cars will last longer. By following these tips, your car should be able to serve your needs for a very long time.