You just purchased your first car. Congratulations! Becoming a car owner has a ton of benefits, but with ownership comes a great deal of responsibility. Keeping your car properly maintained will ensure its longevity and safety. Here are some tips to help you maintain your new ride.
1. Keep Your Car Clean
One of the easiest and most affordable things you can do is keep your car clean. Wash it regularly, vacuum the interior, and don’t leave trash in your car. Keeping your car looking clean and smelling good is the first step in keeping your car properly maintained.
2. Get Your Oil Changed
Your car will need an oil change every 5,000 miles or so. Depending on your vehicle and the type of oil you use, you may need to change it less often. Your auto mechanic should be able to tell you how often you need to bring your car in for an oil change. You should also make an effort to regularly check and refill your car’s fluids. You don’t want to run out of windshield washing fluid if a bird unexpectedly drops one on you while driving down a busy road.
3. Repair Your Ride as Needed
If your car breaks down, it’s a no-brainer to take it to an auto services shop to get it fixed. However, you may be tempted to put off minor repairs like a broken tag light. The longer you wait to repair your car, the more the little things will start to add up. Make it a point to repair anything that gets broken to keep your car in mint condition. This is the golden rule of car maintenance.
4. Keep Track of Tire Tread
It is extremely dangerous to drive on bald tires, so you should be regularly examining the tread to make sure it isn’t too worn down. You should also examine your tires for punctures and check the air pressure. Problematic tires are unsafe, and they negatively affect your car’s gas mileage and handling.
5. Find a Great Mechanic
Finding a good mechanic is important. You need someone you can rely on to repair your car when it breaks down. When you find a reliable mechanic, you will be able to get your car fixed properly in a reasonable amount of time.
Your car is more than just a mode of transportation. It’s also your livelihood, therefore you should handle it with respect. It is critical to provide regular maintenance to any car you own. To maintain a car operating and in good shape, it should be treated as if it were a child.
Things To Look Out for
1. Fluids
Fuel, coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and fluids from any cooling or heating equipment fall into this category. Maintaining these fluids properly will ensure proper lubrication and a smooth rotation of the gears. Electronics and electrical possibilities are also kept running by fluids. But what if your car is full of old fluids? There are a few options for dealing with this. For older components, you can change the fluids and use a more current fluid. If you’re in a hurry or don’t have the cash, you can attempt flushing the old fluids into a different container.
2. Belts, Hoses, and Brakes
By allowing your engine to breathe properly, belts and hoses can help it last longer. Check the condition of your belts on a regular basis. You can also repair hoses, although belts are more difficult to replace because they’re frequently positioned in hard-to-reach places in the engine compartment. When hoses begin to exhibit symptoms of wear and tear, they should be changed.
Your vehicle’s brakes are critical since they are the sole means to slow down and stop. Regularly inspect your brakes and get an auto front disc brake conversion kit to ensure that they are in good operating order and free of oil or gasoline. Regular brake adjustments are also recommended because worn-out brakes can fail at the worst conceivable time. You’ll probably have to pay a mechanic to perform this, but it’ll be well worth it. It’s a little investment of roughly $250 that will safeguard you, and your vehicle, and save you money on future repairs.
3. Tires
Tire maintenance is simple. To keep them at optimal levels, simply let some air out when you fill up on petrol. Make sure they’re adequately filled and rotate the tires if necessary. Tire rotation is recommended for any vehicle, but it is especially important in automatic transmission vehicles. Rotating the tires ensures that the front and rear wheels are operating together.
Maintaining your vehicle isn’t always easy, but it’s a need that many people put off. Proper maintenance will help you extend the life of your car and save you money by avoiding future problems. It will also give you peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is in good working order.
Gears and Timing Chain
The timing chain and gears are extremely important to maintain because if they fail, your vehicle’s engine may overheat. This could result in some serious and costly issues. Timing chains can generate a “ticking” or “knocking” sound that should be investigated by a specialist. If the gears need to be replaced, you could be looking at a bill of up to $500.
By following these tips, you’ll keep your car running in excellent condition. Keeping your car maintained will make it easier if you ever want to sell it. A well-kept car looks better and is safer for you to drive, so don’t fall behind on routine maintenance.
