We live in a world where more people are switching out their old cars and buying new models. Having a new car is great because it no longer makes strange noises and drives like a dream. However, you want to make sure that you get your money’s worth out of it, so you need to learn how to maintain it. One of the benefits of owning a new car is that they don’t need as many regular services to keep them running well, but there are still things you need to do
You want people to look at your car and be surprised that it still looks brand new years after you bought it. For that to happen, you need to follow these easy tips on how to maintain your car.
Change Your Filters Regularly
Over time, the oil and air filter in your new car will become clogged and if left for too long it can cause damage. It is important to regularly change these and they will often be replaced when you are having the car serviced, which should be once a year at a garage. However, switching out a filter, especially the air one, can be done easily by yourself and save extra money too. You don’t necessarily have to buy a new one as the air filter can be washed to help prolong the life of it. If you aren’t sure how to do this, the handbook for the car should provide you with advice and help on how to find genuine parts that are good quality.
Check the Engine Oil
Something that you need to do regularly is to check the engine oil every month. The level of the oil should be between the minimum and maximum markers on the stick. The colour of the oil is a yellow-brown, so it should be easy to notice. Always park the car on level ground so the reading is accurate and always fix any leaks and top up the oil if needed. You will also need to check whether the oil is too dark and dirty, as this will need to be replaced to help the car run smoother.
Drive Smoothly
One of the best ways to make sure your car lasts a long time is to drive smoothly and sensibly. Doing this will reduce the wear of the vehicle and allow you to get more miles per tank of gas. Don’t accelerate too much and be gentle with the gearbox to make sure nothing ends up broken or worn down.
Check the Tire Air Pressure
You should be checking the air pressure of your tires at least once a month and always before you intend to go on an extended road trip. Always do this when the tires are cold or have only been driven a few miles so the reading is accurate when you use a tire-pressure gauge. The manual will recommend the inflation pressure that your tires should have and if it is below that number then you know you need to add some more air. You will also want to keep an eye out for any tears, cuts or bulges that you see, as this means you will need to get a new tire. Just remember that the pressure for the front and rear tires will be different.
Have Regular Services
The best way to prolong the life of your vehicle is to stick to a regular schedule when it comes to the service. This will keep your car in the best shape, as the mechanics will do a thorough check and replace anything that doesn’t look right and ensure the vehicle is safe for driving. Most people have a service once a year or every 10,000 miles, whichever one comes first. For someone who drives a lot, they will need their car servicing more often. Sometimes there will only be minor issues, and other times there could be something major, so it is a good idea to budget for both.
Wash the Car
A good idea is to wash your car once a week or every other week depending on how often you drive. It isn’t just to look good, as washing the car will prolong its life. The reason for this is that it will get rid of any grime that gets lodged into moving parts, which can lead to corrosion. It will also help in the winter when road salt goes on the bodyworkwhen it sprays up, which can cause damage to the paintwork and that isn’t something you want.
Maintain the Car Battery
When a car is sitting idly and isn’t being used, the car battery will eventually deplete and go flat. This cannot be solved by jump-starting the car as it could damage the engine management system and put too much strain on it. Instead, always try to drive your car every week, even if it’s just to the local shops and back again. This is especially important in the winter.
You won’t have to worry too much about the technical stuff such as the brakes, exhaust system or the internal mechanisms because those will be taken care by the service mechanics. However, doing these small things regularly will mean your car will last much longer.
