If you are like a lot of people, your car is one of your most valuable assets. Because it is such a valuable thing, you want to make sure that you keep your vehicle in good order. Not only should it continue to sparkle but it should keep you as safe as possible when on the road.
While every automobile should be regularly inspected by a professional or another technician, there are some things that you can do to help your car’s performance between inspections. Use these simple tips to keep your car looking great and performing phenomenally.
1. Change the Oil on a Regular Basis
While there is some maintenance that is necessary for all cars that cannot be done by the average person, changing the oil is simple to do yourself. You renew the oil in your engine regularly to cause your engine to produce less heat. Changing the dirty oil out for newer oil will also clean the engine of all the dirt and debris that gets left behind. If old oil causes your engine to overheat and shut down, it may cease to work properly.
2. Take Care of Your Tyres
The tyres are one of the most important components of a car. Keeping them in good shape will not only add to the overall cosmetic effect of the vehicle but it will also increase your safety while you are driving. Check the air pressure and levels regularly and have them rotated each time you have your automobile inspected.
Scan tyre deals for great bargains and replaces them regularly. By ensuring the quality and functionality of your tyres, you can drive more safely. In addition to the four on your car, it is recommended to keep at least one spare on you at all times.
3. Read the Owner’s Manual
While it is not essential to memorize the full thing, make sure that you are familiar with the contents and keep it somewhere safe and easy to reach. Inside the glove compartment is where many people choose to keep their manuals. Every feature and component of your vehicle will be carefully analyzed in the owner’s manual.
As well as containing important information about every part of your car, the manual will go over the steps that the manufacturer recommends for maintenance. The manual will also hold useful information such as which type of motor oil is optimal for the car’s performance.
4. Keep an Eye on Your Filters
Two parts of your car that are often overlooked but vital to its performance are the cabin filter and the air filter. While the cabin filter protects your engine, the air filter will keep the air in the cab clean and comfortable. Even though they do very different jobs, a filter’s purpose is much the same. They keep the air in your cab and around your engine clear of contaminants and dirt. These must be changed every so often so as to continue filtering out debris.
5. Keep it Looking Nice
In addition to the performance of your car being very important, it is essential that the outward appearance be good. Keep it clean and do not neglect the interior. By cleaning the windows and vacuuming the upholstery, you can ride in comfort and style. As well as looking nice, cleaning your windows will allow you to see out of them more easily and will make driving your car a safer activity. Keeping your car looking good will help you in so many ways.
6. How Are Your Spark Plugs?
The spark plugs in your car’s engine are vital to it running well and must be regularly updated. While the car’s owner’s manual may tell you how often a manufacturer recommends spark plugs be changed, you may notice that yours give out even sooner than expected. There are two main types of spark plugs available today. They are copper and iridium. While iridium plugs are more costly than copper ones, they also have a longer life and perform better in different engines.
7. Is it Time to Check Your Brakes?
When it comes to your safety, a few features of your car are more important than the braking system. While the owner’s manual can provide you with a suggested schedule for brake maintenance, it is usually recommended to get them looked at by a professional every 12k miles. Change your brake fluid after every 20k miles or as needed.
Keeping your car in good working order is a very important part of life, but with regular check-ups by a professional, your maintenance tasks are relatively minor. By devising a schedule for changing fluids and checking on the other components of your car, you will never have to worry.
