Simple Tips to Maintain Your Car in Good Shape
Every car requires maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Properly maintaining your car can go a long way towards mitigating its repair costs, extending its lifespan, and keeping you and your fellow passengers safe.
Therefore, follow these tips to keep your car in top condition.
Check and Change the Engine Oil
It is best to check the engine oil every month and change it as directed by your manufacturer. Generally, manufacturers recommend changing the oil every six months or 7500 miles, whichever comes first.
However, for intense driving with frequent cold starts and short trips, trailer towing, or dusty conditions, the engine oil needs to be changed every three months or 3000 miles. Diesel and turbocharged engines may require frequent oil changes.
Keep the Car Clean
Regularly wash your car (every week if you can) to remove the dirt, road salt, ice melt, tree sap, etc. These elements not only will spoil your car’s look but also can cause damage to the undercarriage and paint. Therefore, keep your car clean to prevent long-term damage.
Have the Exhaust System Checked
Look for rusted exhaust parts that need to be replaced, tighten the loose clamps, and listen to the changes in the exhaust sound while driving. It is recommended to replace the entire exhaust system at a time than repairing different parts at different times.
Inspect and Maintain Tires’ Pressure
Maintaining your tires’ air pressure can help reduce the normal wear and tear while ensuring you get good mileage. Check your tires’ air pressure once a month when they are cold (before driving the vehicle). Ensure to find the recommended tire pressure, use an accurate tire pressure gauge to check the pressure of each tire, including the spare, and inflate or deflate the tires accordingly.
Replace Your Air Filter
A clogged air filter allows dust and other pollutants into your car’s engine, reducing its efficiency. Therefore, check the air filter every year and replace it as needed.
Check the Fluids
Your car has several fluids (coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid) that need to be kept at appropriate levels to keep your vehicle in top shape. Therefore, if you spot a leak, fix it soon because a fluid leak can reduce your car’s performance and efficiency. Also, check the fluid levels regularly and fill them up if they are lower than the recommended levels.
Have Your Brakes Examined
If you find any squeaking sound when hitting the brakes or excessively worn brake pads or linings, it is time to service your brakes. Check your brakes at least twice a year or more often if you frequently drive.
Clean the Radiator
A dirty radiator can lead to overheating, so clean it with a soft brush and wash its outside with a detergent solution.
Examine the Battery
Inspect the battery’s cables and terminals to ensure they are securely attached and have no corrosion. A corroded battery could develop a crack, causing expensive repairs.
Like maintaining your car, protecting it from accidents is also essential, and for that, you need car insurance. Contact our insurance experts today at Massive Insurance and Financial Services to get personalized car insurance at an affordable rate!