You’ve heard of stories about cars going up to 300,000 miles without any major problems. The secret to longevity is good maintenance. A car that is well maintained will be a joy to drive. You won’t have to spend a fortune on unnecessary repairs. That is why it is important that you’re not skipping the service when it is due. There are some tips that will come in handy if you’re looking to take charge of the care and maintenance of your car and we’re going to highlight some of them.
Check Oil
The simplest yet the most overlooked maintenance tip is to regularly check the oil. If you want your car to last for a long time, checking the oil should be one of the priorities. The oil and air filters will need to be changed according to the owner’s manual. For most vehicles, it is usually after 5000 miles but you shouldn’t wait until the service is due before you can check the oil. It is a simple process that you can do on your own. The attendant at the gas station can also help you out if you don’t want to get your hands dirty.
The engine is likely to run hotter when there is less oil on it. Once the engine starts giving you problems, there isn’t a lot you can do to rescue your vehicle.
Timing Belt Replacement
If you drive an old vehicle, there is a high chance that it uses a timing belt. The timing belt will need to be replaced after 100,000 miles. Make sure to check the manufacturer’s specifications as the number could vary from one vehicle to another. A worn-out timing belt could be catastrophic to your engine. That is why you shouldn’t wait for a disaster to happen when you have the chance to change the timing belt. Your mechanic will be able to advise if it needs to be replaced after assessing the situation. Even the cost for replacing the belt won’t be cheap, you’ll save a lot more compared to when the belt fails.
General Inspection
If you’re buying a used vehicle, it is crucial that you’re making sure that it is mechanically sound. This will involve doing a thorough check. Sometimes it could mean that the headlights have to be replaced. Getting the brightest headlights will ensure that you’re seeing the road clearly. Don’t buy a used vehicle before it has been inspected for accidents and mechanical faults.
Transmission Fluid Replacement
A vehicle needs to have the proper amount of fluid in order for it to function at optimum capacity. This means that it will need to be checked periodically for transmission fluid vulnerabilities. The fluid will deteriorate over time and will need to be replaced. If you’re not really good with the mechanical components of vehicles, you might not be aware of the replacement is due. One of the signs that the transmission fluid needs to be replaced when there is a burnt smell. The owner’s manual will have all the details you need when it comes to replacing the fluid. The fluid levels should be checked when the engine is running for accurate analysis.
Radiator Coolant Flushing
Every coolant will have rust inhibitors. This will mean it will break over time and could do harm to your vehicle. That is why it will need to be flushed and be replaced so that you’re not hurting your engine. There are some car manufacturers that will recommend changing the coolant every 30,000 miles while some 100,000 miles. Make sure that you’re checking the car’s manual so that you’re making the right decision.
Wash Your Car
There are people that will not wash their car for months. There will be all manner of dirt in the interior. If your vehicle is to be in mint condition, it is important that you’re cleaning it often. You don’t have to do the cleaning on your own. You can take it to the washing bay once a month so that it receives a thorough scrub.
Tire Pressure
You should make sure that the tire pressure is being inflated with the right PSI. This information can also be found in the owner’s manual. You might be wearing the tires faster than you think because of inflating them with the wrong pressure. Make sure to replace worn-out tires so that your safety on the road is being guaranteed. The most important consideration is that you’re not skipping the service. The general service helps in identifying potential problems.