A car is one of the most significant personal investments. However, owning a car comes with various responsibilities. Whether new or used, your vehicle needs regular maintenance to serve you well and prevent premature breakdown. Regular maintenance also helps to extend your vehicle’s lifespan.
Wash Your Car At least Once a Week
Regularly washing your car ensures it remains clean, bright, and corrosion-free. Ensure you use a suitable detergent and a soft cloth when washing your vehicle. After washing it, you can wax it to reduce oxidation and ensure it lasts longer. Waxing also provides a protective barrier, ensuring dirt does not stick to your car’s surface. Finally, waxing gives your car a glossy finish, ensuring it looks good at all times.
Besides cleaning your car’s exterior, remember to clean the interior parts. Gently wipe your dashboard’s lenses with a wet cloth and vacuum the seats to remove tiny dirt particles. Also, remember to remove your mats and wash them with a brush and clean water. This way, you will be able to get rid of stubborn dirt. If you let dirt accumulate on the mat, it may cause premature wear. After washing your mats, allow them to dry completely before putting them back in your car. Otherwise, your vehicle may start smelling.
Change the Air Filter Regularly
The air filter in your engine is responsible for controlling how air flows in. If your air filter becomes clogged or fits loosely, your car may develop issues. First, your vehicle may start producing too many emissions. Clogged engine air filters may also increase your vehicle’s fuel consumption.
To avoid these issues, you can use the best OBD scanner to check the condition of your air filter and replace it if required. Also, ensure you change your air filter at least once a year.
Check Your Engine Oil Regularly
Your vehicle’s engine oil is essential since it acts as a lubricant, preventing critical engine components from grinding and ruining the engine. For this reason, you need to check your engine oil regularly.
The first thing that you need to look at is the oil level. When your engine’s oil levels are low, the engine’s seals may dry up. The internal parts may also heat up too much and distort, reducing your engine’s power. Therefore, if you realize the oil levels are low, you must refill them.
Another thing that you need to look at is the oil’s color. If your engine’s oil is too dark, it indicates the presence of chemical additives or sludge. Once you notice your engine’s oil is too dark, you must change it.
Take Care of the Tires
Car maintenance also involves taking care of your vehicle’s tires. When taking care of your car’s tires, you must check their pressure. Your car’s tire pressure plays a significant role in determining your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Manufacturers often include the recommended tire pressure on the car’s manual. Generally, you must check your tire’s pressure at least once a month, depending on how often you use your vehicle, to ensure it is correct.
Regular tire rotation is another way to care for your vehicle’s tires. Tire rotation helps to maintain your vehicle’s safety and efficiency. It can also improve your vehicle’s steering responsiveness and smoothness. Finally, tire rotation allows you to balance them and ensure they wear out evenly.
Maintain Your Car’s Battery
Your car’s battery is a crucial component. It provides your vehicle with an electrical current enabling various parts like the engine and starter to run smoothly. For this reason, you need to check your car’s battery frequently.
One way to maintain your car’s battery is by checking its temperature. If you expose your battery to extreme temperatures, its performance may reduce. Additionally, you must regularly clean your battery’s terminals using a wet cloth. If you let dirt accumulate on the battery’s terminals, it may lead to corrosion. Finally, check your battery for any cracks and bulges. Such signs are dangerous, and you may need to change your car’s battery.
Reduce Your Car’s weight
Car manufacturers usually indicate the recommended amount of weight your vehicle should carry. Therefore, you need to reduce the weight you have in your car each time you travel. Maintaining this weight allows you to improve fuel efficiency and meet emissions standards.
The best way to reduce the amount of weight your car holds is by removing unnecessary items from your vehicle. Start by looking under your seats or in the boot. Moreover, you may look in the glove compartments or door pockets. You can also lower your car’s weight by replacing its components with those made from lighter material.
Clean Your Brakes
Although the dust on your car’s brakes does not affect their functionality, it affects the appearance of your wheels.
When you press the brake, a mixture of components from the brake pad and rotor comes into contact, resulting in brake dust. The brake dust comprises iron, carbon, and other dirt particles. If dust comes into contact with the wheels, it will cause stains. To avoid this issue, you must wipe the dirt off your brake pad using a moist sponge or cloth.
Change the Spark Plugs
Spark plugs are responsible for igniting the gas-air combination, allowing your vehicle to move. When your car’s spark plugs fail to operate correctly, they may affect your engine’s efficiency affecting how your vehicle drives.
Visit a certified mechanic and get them to check the condition of your car’s spark plugs and replace them if necessary.
Final Words
Whether you just bought your car or have been driving it for some time, you must maintain it regularly. Although you may be able to carry out some maintenance tasks by yourself, you need to take it to a certified mechanic once in a while. These professionals have the necessary skills to identify car issues before they escalate. Additionally, they have the tools required for the job.
