Currently, the average American keeps their car for a little over 12 years. Meanwhile, the value of the vehicle is higher than ever. Proper car maintenance is vital to keep your car in excellent condition for years to maximize resale value. Here are some quick tips for auto maintenance.
Importance of Car Maintenance
You must regularly perform car maintenance to keep your ride in proper working order. Detailed service records can boost your car value when it’s time to sell. Vehicle maintenance asks for an investment of time and money. Maintaining your vehicle can help you prevent significant repair costs that follow a roadside breakdown.
If you fail to prevent auto maintenance guidelines, it could void the vehicle’s warranty.
Some Basic Car Maintenance: You need to know
- Always clean your car windshield; because of a dirty windshield, your view can be blocked, creating a safety hazard on the road. Also, keep your headlights clean.
- Check tire pressure and treads regularly to catch any issues early. Extremely inflated tires increase your chances of having a blow-out and reduce fuel efficiency.
- You only think of the battery once something goes wrong; it usually happens when you’re in a hurry. It’s better to check your battery yearly if you notice signs of weakness daily or 3-5 years old. Dim headlights are one sign of a low battery, a slow start or lack of power to the electronics, and, to be sure, a vehicle won’t start.
Change the oil at the right time for your vehicle
Like a fish needs water to survive, oil is like the lifeblood of your vehicle. Your car needs oil and proper oil pressure to keep things running smoothly. Many service providers recommend changing your car oil every 3000 miles. But in modern manufacturing, many vehicles won’t need an oil change for 7,500-10,000 miles.
Check Your Tire Pressure
All tires lose air, so checking your tires monthly is essential. One of your car’s most crucial safety components is its tires, and you can replace them regularly. The initial action you might take each morning is check the air pressure. Always use the same tire pressure gauge. Your tire pressure is based on the weight of your vehicle. Regular maintenance can increase your tire’s life.
Check For Rust and Dents
Rust is the biggest enemy of cars. Minor rust on a car’s body is typical and, if found early, can be repaired. But it gets worse if ignored. A vehicle can rust at any age when the protective paintwork is damaged. Every component of the car, including the body and the undercarriage, is susceptible to rust. It is easier and cheaper to fix as soon as you can, handle the rust and the damage.
Check Your Battery
Your car’s batteries are its most important component. Maintaining a car battery is essential. Like other parts, it also needs care and attention. For keeping your battery, it’s recommended that your car battery is replaced after four years. About every six months, check your battery’s acid level. If you notice low electrolyte levels, top them up with distilled water. While doing this, be careful. Fill only the cells to cover the plates. With the help of the funnel or sports bottle, you can add water to the cells as they control the flow. With the mechanic’s help, you can conduct a battery load test, ensuring that the device is charging correctly, even in freezing temperatures. Clean the dirt and debris because it can harm your battery if it gets into the cells.
Change Headlights
Headlights are the most important parts of your vehicle. With the help of headlights, you can see others, and others can see you. Headlights are so easy to change, and you can do it yourself. Clean your headlights like crystal if you know some fogginess and yellowing. If your headlight lenses are clear but seem to let off dim lighting, it might be time to replace the bulb. While changing your headlight bulb, check it to examine if they are centered correctly and pointing towards the roads.
Replace Wiper Blades
If your wiper blades are not working correctly, it’s time to change it. It’s elementary to know that your blades need replacing. Just press the washer button and see if your blades wipe clean. You can also replace the wipers yourself. The following advice will help you change your wiper blades:
- You can easily buy them from any tool store near you. Measure the blades which are already on the car. The sizes of the blades can be different. The driver’s side blade is longer than the passenger’s side.
- The wiper arm is metal; while changing the blades, remove the new blades from the packaging and have them ready so you can immediately replace them.
- Find the release tab by lifting the wiper and rotating the blade so that it is parallel to the arm.
- Hold onto the wiper arm below the blade and raise it carefully away from the window while holding onto it.
- In the area where the wiper blade connects to the arm, search for a little tab or clip.
Get A Trustworthy Mechanic
While finding the mechanic, find one who has the knowledge about the make and model of your vehicle. A good mechanic will know everything about your car, like its history, quirks, and the areas needing the most attention. A trustworthy mechanic can make your ride joyful.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading.
This guide has provided essential tips and steps, covering various aspects such as engine care, tire maintenance, and general upkeep. By adhering to these practices, beginners can save money on costly repairs, enhance safety on the road, and contribute to a greener environment by improving fuel efficiency. So, take charge of your vehicle’s well-being and embark on the path to responsible car ownership, knowing that you have the skills and resources to maintain the flawless operation of your car for many years.
Learn more: How to Change Oil in a Car: The Ultimate Guide