Cars are an American staple. Whether it is your first car your parents gifted you at 16 or the sophisticated one you got after your marriage, you probably have developed an emotional affinity for it. Your car is your best friend and companion on your tedious office commutes and exciting road trips.
For your part, you need to ensure it’s well-maintained, and you can easily do essential car maintenance at home. You should be well-versed in car maintenance and use products by trusted brands such as Ethos Car Care to ensure your car stays lustrous and new. Let us guide you further:
1. Read the Owner’s Manual
The owner’s manual is often like an app’s terms and conditions: no one reads it. However, reading the owner’s manual can give you a better idea of your car’s maintenance. Unfortunately, owner’s manuals are unnecessarily long and complex, which puts most people off from reading them. However, once you get past the excruciating effort of going through the manual, you will learn the best schedule and practices for your car! An owner’s manual usually gives a recommended maintenance schedule optimized for your vehicle, so following it can give you an in-depth idea of your car’s needs.
2. Regularly Check Tire Pressure and Fluid Levels
Inflated prices may cause you to spend a lot, but inflated tires will definitely save you money in the long run! If your tires are not inflated correctly or lack pressure, your car will be less fuel efficient. Tires also get worn out, but the degree of damage is not the same on all sides. Inspect your tires every once in a while, and replace them if they are too damaged. Improperly inflated or worn-out tires are also a safety risk, so ensure your tires are well inflated before taking your car on a freeway.
Likewise, it is vital to maintain proper fluid levels. A car needs different fluids: transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, and washer fluid. These fluids keep a vehicle well lubricated and ensure its smooth running.
3. Check Your Battery
A car battery is required for your vehicle’s electrical components, such as the headlights, to work. At full charge, car batteries give 12.6 volts of electric power. Below 12 volts, a car may not start. You may not think about the condition of your battery until your headlights start going dim, your car starts slowly, or it doesn’t start at all. However, you will not have to face these issues with proper battery maintenance.
Take your battery to a mechanic annually or whenever your car starts giving you problems. If your battery is too weak, you should consider replacing it instead of waiting for the situation to worsen.
4. Replace Your Air Filter Often
With fuel prices at their highest, filling tanks is a financial nightmare. Reducing the need for fuel can help you save a lot of money. You can make your car more fuel efficient by adequately maintaining your engine’s air filter. Debris collection adds load to an engine, and an air filter helps keep the debris out. If you replace your air filter on time, you can greatly improve your fuel efficiency! It also improves acceleration and reduces wear and tear in the engine.
Air filters are also really cheap. A new one costs around $20, and you can easily replace it at home. Check your owner’s manual to determine how often you need to change your air filter. If your area is prone to dust and contamination, consider changing your air filter at shorter intervals than the owner’s manual recommends.
5. Replace Damaged Wiper Blades and Lights
Damaged windshield wipers and car lights are a significant safety risk, and you should consider getting new ones instead of driving in an unsafe car. Once you get into an accident, you end up risking your life or someone else’s, and you can also get sued. Instead of preparing to win a car accident case, why not make timely repairs to your vehicle and minimize the chances of an accident?
Replace your wiper blades around every six months or whenever they get damaged. If they leave streaks, smear the windshield, or squeak, know it’s time to get new ones. Likewise, change your headlights and taillights when they burn out.
Benefits of Keeping Your Car Maintained
1. Increase Your Car’s Lifespan
A well-maintained car will stay on the roads longer than a non-maintained car. Buying a new car isn’t cheap; the economic situation is to increase your car’s life by giving it its proper care. Routine car maintenance can extend its life and delay the moment you take it to the junkyard. You can also avoid many repairs older cars need by investing in proper and proactive maintenance. This can help you save some money when your vehicle gets old.
2. Maintain Your Car’s Value
If you wish to sell your car sometime, you’ll get a better quote for a well-maintained vehicle. Car maintenance keeps your car in good shape, which makes for a higher price if you ever have to part ways with your vehicle, as it reduces the wear and tear of the car and the need for future repairs. If you junk your card, you can expect a better quote on a well-maintained car than on a neglected one.
3. Make Your Car Safer
Making sure your car is in good condition can make it safer to drive. No one can guarantee a well-maintained car will not get into any accident. However, car maintenance significantly reduces the risk and is a precautionary measure to make your drives safer for everyone on the road.
Endnote
The best way to show your love for your car is to maintain it. A well-maintained vehicle requires fewer repairs, has its lifespan extended, and is more valuable and safer. Your car deserves the best products for its maintenance. Always choose the finest quality spare parts and car fluids to reduce the chances of your vehicle needing a costly future repair.