Repair and Maintenance Tips for Old Cars
Taking proper care and maintenance of your vehicle will enhance its performance and will save you from expensive repair costs. If you own an old car, there’s no need for you to spend money and invest in a new one. As long as your old car is functioning well, you can keep it and give it proper care. Below, we have gathered some of the basic repair and maintenance tips for old cars.
Here are some important repair and maintenance tips for your old cars:
- Change Engine Oil Regularly
- Replace the Engine Timing Belt
- Check the Brakes
- Restore Cracked Rubber
- Fill Up with High Octane Gas
- Check Engine Coolant Level
- Vacuum the Interior
- Improve Your Car’s Appearance
- Tend the Tires
- Replace the Cabin Filter
Change Engine Oil Regularly
The frequent engine oil change is very necessary, especially for old cars. Although most car owners’ manuals recommend increasing the interval for changing the engine oil, a frequent oil changes will help prolong its life. By changing the oil, you will be flushing out abrasive metal and dirt particles that would damage the engine.
Replace the Engine Timing Belt
It is advisable to change the timing belt, which attaches the crankshaft to the camshaft. There is a high chance of the engine being damaged if the timing belt breaks while driving. This is especially true for cars that have an interference engine. The damage will not be severe for vehicles that have a non-interference engine since only the timing belt will need replacement.
It is, therefore, wise to check your owner’s manual to see your vehicle’s type of engine. Vehicles with an interference engine and having reached 100 000 miles should get their timing belt replaced as soon as possible. The same applies to cars with a non-interference engine, as this can cause the car to stop running.
Check the Brakes
This is an important tip for maintaining your old car, and it only requires a jack stand and a lug wrench. Regular checks will keep the braking system youthful, help your vehicle last longer, and avoid major problems.
You can find the right tools at on Amazon.com that will help you bleed the brakes and remove heat from the calipers. This will keep the brake fluid fresh and save you from last-minute brake slams.
A well-maintained brake fluid should have a clear, amber color, while a poorly maintained brake fluid should be dark black in color. Watching your speed is another great tip for preserving the life of your brakes.
Restore Cracked Rubber
Replacing cracked rubber seals on the sunroofs and doors is a must. This is because rubber seals are likely to wear over time, and this will result in leaks that could let the heat out and the cold water in. To keep your window and door weather-stripping in good condition, use a rubber protectant.
Also, the wiper should be checked regularly and replaced if broken. Additionally, replace old tires with new top-notch tires in order to boost your car’s performance.
Fill Up with High Octane Gas
When it comes to gas, ensure that you fill up your tank with high-octane gas at least once a year. High-octane gas cleans out any build-up that may render your old car inefficient. It helps flush out gunk from both the catalytic converter and the pistols, which are costly to replace. Hence, you will save money in the long run.
Check Engine Coolant Level
Checking your engine coolant level should be part of your maintenance checklist. Your engine needs a radiator that will get rid of generated heat which can lead to overheating. An engine coolant is supplied to the radiator. It is, therefore, crucial that the engine coolant is kept at the right level in order to prevent the engine from overheating.
This task is DIY if your old car has coolant reservoirs with level markings on the panel. Hence, it is easy to check whether the coolant in the reservoir is running low or not. For additional guidance, read your manual.
Vacuum the Interior
Keep your old car looking new again by vacuuming your interior each time you wash your car. Your car is prone to abrasive dirt and spills. Use a powerful vacuum to thoroughly clean your interior and make it look shiny again. However, ensure that you use the right wands, which are unlikely to scratch the surface.
Also, use a sponge, water, and mild detergent to wipe down the windows and rims.
Improve Your Car’s Appearance
While it’s important to care for your car’s interiors, it is also essential to look after its exteriors. Take some time to do some wax jobs in order to create a protective layer that will protect your paint against harsh weather.
Another way to improve your car’s appearance is by polishing the headlights. Cloudy headlights will not only make your car look older but will also keep the lights from shining bright. Another maintenance tip is to repair any scratches before they rust. Search for a scratch remover kit that has the appropriate grade for your car paint and model.
Tend the Tires
For older cars, the tire pressure should be checked regularly, and the worn tires should be replaced sooner than later. As the tires get old, the rubber begins to degrade, and this is a major cause of most accidents. Read your car’s manual to check the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle.
Although it costs you a few bucks to replace non-performance tires, your car will thank you for it. Also, replace tires that are older than five years as they are more prone to wear and tear.
Replace the Cabin Filter
Unknown to many, the cabin air filter gets dirty and needs to be replaced. Although it’s a little tedious, replacing your cabin filter is something that you can do yourself. You just need to find the right filters for your car’s model and install them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Of course, this will offer more comfort.
Conclusion
There are many benefits that can be accrued from taking proper care of your vehicle. Proper car care will have it last many years and save you the cost of buying a new car. Besides, you will get the reward of selling your car at a higher resale value. The above repair and maintenance tips for old cars will help your old car run safely and effectively.
