Thu. Mar 28th, 2024
Car CleanImage Source: TODAY

As one of the biggest acquisitions you will ever make, it is sensible to maintain your car, so it lasts as long as possible. Car maintenance is way better and financially economical than car repair or even replacement. Adopting a proactive approach to car maintenance will help your vehicle last longer while keeping you away from car sales stand as much as possible.

Keeping your car in top condition is a proper way of maintaining your car. Good maintenance keeps your car in good shape and ensures your safety, the safety of passengers, and that of fellow drivers.

We have compiled our best car tips and expert advice to help prolong the life of your automobile.

Change Your Car Filters Regularly

Your car’s air filter and oil filter tend to clog over time, so it is essential to renew them regularly.

They can be replaced whenever you go for a scheduled car servicing. However, changing car filters are relatively simple tasks one can do all by their selves – especially an air filter – so you might consider trying it out yourself and save some bucks in the process too.

Filters can be used further by washing them. Ensure you use genuine parts when changing or cleaning your filter. Poor quality or cheap filters can actually spoil your car engine in the long run.

Check Your Tires

Tires are one of your vehicle’s most important safety features, and checking habitually – say weekly – could save your life.

Under-inflated tires often lead to an increase in fuel consumption, so keep them at the recommended pressures listed in your vehicle’s handbook. Keep in mind that tire pressures may not be the same for the rear and front tires. Some car experts suggest swapping the rear to the front and vice versa in order to even out the wear-and-tear and possibly prolong the life of the tire.

However, for the sake of your safety, we recommend you use the least worn-out tires on the rear axles. This is mainly because the loss of front grip (under-steer) is much easier to manage than a back axle (over-steer).

Buy Gas at Reputable Service Stations

When you drive into a gas station for a gas refill, always ask if the station has a policy on changing pump filters regularly and if the gas you buy is filtered at the pump.

If a song and dance is all you get, find another gas station. Some stations lack pump filters, thereby making your vehicle more vulnerable to unclean gasoline.

Other gas stations may water down their gas product or improperly mix their fuel and alcohol. Find a gas station you trust and stick to them.

Regularly Maintain Your Car Battery

Car batteries tend to degrade and go flat when cars are not in use for a long period of time.

If you have a car parked at the garage for a long period of time, you may consider using a trickle charger to keep the battery topped up. However, a battery conditioner tends to work well if the battery seems to hold less charge than normal.

Extra strain is impacted on a battery if a battery is flat dead and still used to jump-start a car. This often results in a damaged engine management system and possibly other delicate car electronics. To avoid all these (trickle charger, conditioner, etc.), it is advisable to warm up and drive your car at least once a week.

Replenish Car Fluids Regularly 

A car’s lifeline is its fluids. Failure to replenish them may result in grim consequences.

Engine oil can be checked fortnightly by opening the bonnet of your car on a level ground, then proceeds to bring out the dipstick. Wipe it with a rag and dip it into the fluid.

When the dipstick is taken out, the oil level should be seen between the minimum and maximum markers. Plus, you get to see a light yellow-brown color if it’s a petrol engine.

Replace dark, dirty oil. 

On the other hand, dark-colored oil shouldn’t be cause for alarm with a diesel car because diesel engine accumulates soot as part of its normal combustion process.

Another compartment to check often is the coolant reservoir, which you should top up with about 50%-distilled water, windscreen washer bottle, and 50% antifreeze.

Avoid the temptation of using wash-up liquid as it contains additives and salt that tends to damage paintwork.

Stick to service schedule

Keeping your car in top condition is paramount and regular servicing is essential in prolonging its life. Service schedules are dependent on miles driven. For example, every 5,000 miles.

These days, most cars have warning lights on its dashboard to notify you when it’s time for maintenance. You should always budget for a major service once every two years and a minor service once a year.

Replacing car fluids, oil, oil filter, excessive exhaust emission, gearbox, lights, suspension, fluid leaks, tire conditions and pressures, correct steering operation, brake oil, etc., are all part of minor servicing. Other scheduled replacements, such as plug wires, timing belts, etc., helps avert expensive breakdowns.

Replacement of spark plugs, air filter, cambelt, etc., is part of major replacements.

Clean the interiors of your car, too

Sponge and vacuum your car interior every time you wash your vehicle. Spilled liquids such as soda can be corrosive, and dirt particles can somewhat be abrasive. Clean vinyl surfaces with a solution of small detergent and clean water. 

Vacuum your interior with a powerful vacuum. Small cordless models are weak for thorough cleaning. Also, avoid using bare metal wands when cleaning. It can scratch and mar surfaces.

Protect your car from the sun

We can’t deny that a car’s interiors and painting make it look great. It is also the first line of defense against rust.

You have to minimize paint and interior damage by parking the car in a garage. This is the best way to protect a car from damages caused by UV rays. In cases when one is not available, reduce sunlight damage by parking under a shade, a tree, or best still, use a car shade to lessen the impact of sun.

A bonus you get from doing this is entering a cooler car whenever you’re set to go out.

Ultraviolet rays from sun cause car paint to fade. Car covers will protect your car from sun, dust, moisture, bird dropping – plus, they have a thin layer of cushioning that will shield against light impact from falling objects.

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