Getting a new car or used car is only the beginning. You must also factor in car maintenance and repair costs in your car ownership experience. However, as it turns out, car maintenance and repairs are getting more expensive by the day.
It is relatively common for a basic repair job to turn into a money-sapping affair. Before you know it, you will spend hundreds upon hundreds of your hard-earned money to keep your car in top-notch running condition.
Here are some maintenance tips that will help extend the life of your car.
- Keep the battery clean
One of the most crucial maintenance tips for extending your car’s life is keeping the battery clean. You can clean the terminals with water and a baking soda solution. That will help stop corrosion and keep the battery working properly.
- Change the air filter
Another tip to maintain your vehicle is to replace the air filter. Remember that a new air filter can enhance your gas mileage by about 14% and help the car’s engine run more effectively.
You must change your air filter every 12,000 miles, but check the car owner’s manual for detailed intervals.
Another simple way to keep the car running efficiently is to check the tire pressure and inflate them to the correct level. That will enhance the gas mileage, but it will also extend the life of the tires.
- Check the tire pressure
Keeping the tires inflated to the car’s suggested pressures is an important factor in tire maintenance. Tires with the suggested air pressure will last longer and contribute to overall car safety.
Under-inflated tires may offer less responsive steering and impact braking distances. That can be risky when an emergency stop or sudden maneuver is needed to stop a collision.
Also, low tire pressures can enable tire sidewalls to flex too much and produce heat. Moderate heat will speed up tire tread wear. High heat can also result in loss of tread segments or blowouts.
To keep tire pressure safe, make sure you regularly check your tires. Once a week is ideal, ideally no less than once a month or before any long road trip.
- Wash your vehicle at least once a week
Regular car washing is a great practice to maintain the appearance, color, and shine of your car’s window glass, paint, and various rubber or plastic components.
But more than aesthetics, regular car washing will preserve the resale value of your car.
When washing your vehicle, prevent using damaging chemicals, strong laundry detergents, or dish soap. As an alternative, use quality car shampoo combined with clean water.
- Do a weekly inspection
Whenever you get into your car, you make a few checks without even realizing it. You check the fuel level, ensure your seatbelt is fastened, and the mirrors are properly aligned.
You can guarantee your car’s safety by adding on a few other simple checks. It’s suggested to perform an inspection once a week or before a long road trip. There are tools for DIY car maintenance that you can use.
Remember that prevention is always better than cure. Staying proactive with your car maintenance saves time and allows you to enjoy each moment of your driving experience.
