Things To Do To Maintain Your Own Car
Automobiles have evolved from luxury to a necessity owned by the majority of individuals. In countries with a thriving economy, up to 88% of the population owns a car of some sort. Moreover, car possession has become extremely convenient because you can easily buy and sell cars online, in addition to the conventional methods, i.e., through dealerships and private transactions.
Amidst all the benefits of owning an automobile, it is imperative to maintain your car if you wish to enjoy it for a long time. Frequent automobile care extends the lifespan of the vehicle and keeps it running smoothly without any safety concerns. By keeping your vehicle in its prime condition through regular maintenance, you can also retain the optimal value when you wish to sell your car. Here is the list of X things to do to maintain your car:
- Check the Tires
- Change the Oil
- Clean and Fix the Windshield, Mirrors, and Lights
- Change the Air Filter
- Keep the Interiors Clean
- Check the Fluids
- Keep Emissions Under Control
- Check the Battery
We have compiled a list of comprehensive maintenance tips to keep the operational performance and aesthetic integrity of your car intact:
Check the Tires
You should regularly check the tire pressure as it not only affects the comfort, safety, and handling of the car but also influences fuel efficiency. Improper inflation of tires can hinder the ability of the wheels to stop correctly and increase the probability of a flat tire.
You can check the tire pressure every week, but experts recommend doing it every time you fill-up the gas. Frequent monitoring will allow you to catch any issues immediately, as tire pressure undergoes constant changes due to temperature fluctuation and mileage accumulation. The manufacturer’s manual specifies the recommended tire pressure.
In addition, you should rotate the tires every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. Regular rotation of the wheels ensures that all the tires have an equal wear pattern, extending the lifespan of the wheels.
Finally, replace your tires when they become worn beyond reasonable limits to avoid any accidents.
Change the Oil
Oil is a vital component of your car, which ensures that your engine runs smoothly and soundlessly. Motor oil lubricates the moving parts of your engine to avoid grinding and friction.
Check the oil level regularly, at every other gas fill-up or once a week, and top up the quantity as required. You should also get your oil changed every 5000 miles or less to maximize engine efficiency, increase fuel economy, and reduce emissions.
Clean and Fix the Windshield, Mirrors, and Lights
A dirty windshield is a safety hazard as it can obscure your view while driving, and it looks unpleasant as well. Therefore, wipe your windshields clean with a sponge and cleaning fluid regularly, depending on how many miles you log in the day, what is your daily route, and where you park the car.
The windshield wipers need replacement once a year, as they become worn out with use. Torn wipers are unable to perform adequately during the rainy season and can pose a safety threat, especially if you are driving in a downpour. You can replace only the wiper blades or the entire assembly, depending on their condition.
In addition, you need to keep your front and rear view mirrors clean since they provide an essential all-encompassing view of the road necessary for safe driving. Fix any mirrors broken in an accident immediately and give them a regular wipe for an unobscured sight.
Finally, the light fixtures on your car have important jobs and should not be overlooked during regular maintenance. To ensure that they are all in perfect working condition, ask a friend to go around the car while you switch on each light. Replace any broken or faulty bulbs immediately, especially the headlights. You can do it yourself in a few simple steps.
Change the Air Filter
Air filters are equivalent to lungs for your car. They help filter any debris, particles, or other contaminants from the air entering the engine. Consequently, they can gather a lot of dirt with time. Regularly replacement of air filters improves fuel efficiency, increases the lifespan of your engine, improves acceleration, and reduces emissions. If you fail to replace the filters, you can cause your engine to fail and damage your combustion system.
Change your air filters every 12,000 miles, or better yet, assess the integrity and condition of the filters and replace them if they are too dirty, even if you have not met the recommended mileage.
Keep the Interiors Clean
Dirty car interiors do not affect the functioning of the vehicle’s mechanism. However, it can significantly compromise the resale value. Remove any trash that may have been discarded in the car, vacuum the seats and interiors, and wash your floor mats. Wiping away the grime and debris will not only make the ride more enjoyable, but it will also save you from any embarrassment if you have to give a lift to unexpected passengers!
Check the Fluids
Your car employs the use of various fluids to provide you with a smooth, soundless ride. These include transmission, power steering, brake, windshield washer fluids, and coolants. Check these fluids once a week and replace or top up as needed.
Keep Emissions Under Control
The emission system runs the entire length of the car and helps in removing the exhaust away from the engines and the passenger cabin. Since it is situated at the bottom of the vehicle, it can accumulate a lot of dirt and scrapes. To ensure that your car runs efficiently and the emission levels are under control, get the system checked at least once every year.
Check the Battery
Assess the battery once a month to look for signs of corrosion or mineral buildup at the terminals. If you notice any accumulation, clean it with a brush designed specifically for this purpose or get it cleaned professionally. This helps prolong the battery life. However, batteries do eventually get old and require replacement.
Conclusion
Car maintenance is not a very cumbersome or time-consuming process, especially if conducted routinely. You can perform the necessary inspection yourself or take your car to a mechanic if you notice an issue that requires specialized tools and professional expertise to fix. Routine maintenance will keep your vehicle in prime operating condition and will also save you from spending thousands of pounds on a complete breakdown of your car.
