Over time, traveling from point A to point B can degrade your car. A lot of vehicle maintenance advancements have been made, and today’s drivers are brushing up on their auto maintenance skills to keep their rides running. If you’re proactive about preventative maintenance you can avoid costly repairs, break-downs, and dangerous situations.
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To make your car last longer check out these car maintenance tips.
Use Synthetic Lubrication
High-performance synthetic lubrication, to be specific. Give your car clean lubrication regularly and, if you can spare the expense, buy some synthetic engine oil. Follow your manufacturer’s recommended change intervals and viscosity suggestions.
Reduce the Weight
The less a car weighs, the better it’ll drive. Even if you have a busy schedule, cut down on supplies, gear and random items. The more a car weighs, the harder its transmission, engine, suspension and even brakes have to work. This is a great tip for beginners. While learning how to maintain your car, do everything possible to boost the vehicle’s maneuverability and efficiency.
Start Slow
When a car is at rest, motor oil cools and sinks to the engine’s bottom. When you turn on the car, the oil pump shoots the oil throughout the engine. This process takes some time and driving away quickly can wear down your vehicle’s tightly-packed engine components. Instead of driving quickly, let your car idle for about a minute. Let the oil rise in temperature and spread throughout the engine.
Check the Brake Pads
To make sure your car’s brake pads are effective in the long run, check them often. Remove your car’s tires, and look at the brake pads. If they’re worn down, you’ll need to replace them. While you’re at it, make sure to inspect the rotors.
Check the Tire Pressure Often
Check your car’s tire pressure regularly. In doing so, you’ll boost your vehicle’s fuel economy. Plus, you’ll make sure your tires are safe from the pavement. Floppy tires wear down and they can result in damaged rims while tanking car life expectancy.
Don’t Wait to Replace the Tires
If your tires are wearing out, don’t wait to replace them. They impact your vehicle’s suspension system and fuel economy, and they can reduce much-needed grip during long-haul rides. Buy new tires to protect your car’s acceleration and balance.
Flush and Fill the Cooling System
Your vehicle’s cooling system should be checked, flushed and replenished every two years. Every four years, you should replace all of the system’s components. This might mean you need to replace the hoses and water pump, but it’s worth the swap-out. An effective coolant system protects a vehicle’s engine, and a little preventative car maintenance can greatly boost your car’s lifespan.
Clean the Battery Terminals
Clean and tighten your vehicle’s battery terminals often. Also have a reputable repair shop check your battery’s charging system. The voltage regulator and alternator should be checked, too, as well as any wiring. If you’ve ever wondered what is the average life expectancy of a car battery, you should contact your manufacturer. As a rule of thumb, most car batteries last between four and six years.
Replace the Ignition Wires, Spark Plugs and Coils
Replace your ignition system’s components once per two years. These components can corrode over time, resulting in false starts and a stressed-out ignition system. Consult your manufacturer for vehicle-specific maintenance options.
Protect the Cosmetics
Don’t forget about your vehicle’s cosmetics. Wash the interior, exterior finish, trim and accessories often. Don’t let your vehicle’s appearance slide. Wax it often and clean the interior. While cosmetics might seem “surface-level,” they can impact your car’s air filtering system.
An auto repair shop can help with most of these maintenance options. You should still contact your vehicle’s manufacturer, however. Different cars have different service needs. If you’re staying up to date with your vehicle’s maintenance, you’ll keep it in service longer.
Take care of your car, and your car will take care of you.
