If you buy an old car, you need to look out for red flags that might mean it is on its last leg. The previous owner might not have known how to take care of a car properly, which causes big problems.
To avoid problems, you should learn about proper car care. When you go to sell your car, there won’t be any red flag issues for buyers, so you can sell your car with confidence. You also might decide you want to keep driving your car for years to come since it’s running so well.
Continue reading this article to learn the best way to take care of your car, so it lasts.
1. Review the Owner’s Manual
The owner’s manual is your best friend when you want to keep your car in good working condition. If you are confused about anything going on with your vehicle, you’ll likely find it in the pages of the manual.
Even though you have a car manual, you shouldn’t be ashamed if you need to ask a professional for help understanding what it says and means.
2. Don’t Ignore Warning Lights
Whether you’re driving a mini cooper r56 or a RAM 3500, you should never ignore warning lights on your vehicle. Your vehicle has a massive system of sensors in place to let you know when there is something that needs your attention.
These sensors could be anything from letting your know you left the door open to telling you your engine is overheating. Learning what all of the warning lights mean before they come on will help you identify the problem quickly.
3. Clean Your Windshield
When you go to get gas, it’s easy to clean your windshield. They have it set up for you to easily get rid of dirt and bug guts off your glass. If you leave them on there too long, it’s much harder to get them off, and they can get in the way of your view and cause a wreck.
4. Check Your Tire Pressure
You should always keep your tire pressure at the recommended pressure. If your tires are over-inflated or under-inflated, both of these things cause problems. If your tire pressure isn’t at the right away, your vehicle is more difficult to handle.
You may also face one of the feared blowouts because of improper tire pressure. Increase your fuel efficiency and the life of your time by keeping an eye on the pressure in your tires.
5. Pay Attention to the Feel of Your Drive
Every once in awhile, when you’re driving, you should pay special attention to how the drive feels. Is the steering wheel still turning properly? Is there any shake when you’re driving?
If you notice anything that doesn’t feel as it usually does, you should take it into the shop to get it looked at.
6. Listen to Your Car
Your car makes noises even when it is functioning properly. The thing you should pay attention to is when those noises change. Your car shouldn’t start making a knocking noise out of the blue.
If you start hearing different noises than you’re used to, this is another time you should head over to the auto shop for a checkup.
7. Keep an Eye on Fluids
If your vehicle’s coolant, motor oil, or power steering fluid aren’t topped off, this is a good way to cause serious mechanical issues. If you aren’t sure how to check fluid levels, look through your owner’s manual, or ask your mechanic to show you what to do the next time you’re in the shop.
As long as you stay on top of your fluids and make sure they don’t go low, you’ll be able to avoid transmission and motor problems.
8. Look at the Lights
Scheduling periodic checks for your lights will keep you from getting pulled over for a non-functioning tail light. Have a friend stand behind you to see if your breaks and signals are all working properly.
Light issues are usually an easy fix. Depending on your vehicle, it might not be very expensive. Some vehicle models are a little on the pricey side, so make sure you check the cost before you take it to the shop.
9. Do a Walking Inspection Before You Drive
It’s easy to hop in the car and be on your way without paying any attention to your vehicle, but it’s a good idea to do a walking inspection. Looking at your vehicle to see if there are any dents or dings you didn’t notice will help you keep your car’s exterior stay in good condition.
If you don’t take care of scratches when they happen, it can turn into a rusty mess. Fix scrapes, scratches, dents, and dings as quickly as you notice them to keep your car in good condition.
10. Clean Your Car
Cleaning your vehicle inside and out will allow you to extend the lifetime of your vehicle’s paint, carpet, dash, and other areas. Schedule time each week to keep your car looking and smelling clean.
How to Take Care of a Car – Now You Know
Now you know how to take care of a car. You’ll be able to stay on track with maintenance and other important things that will allow you to drive your car for many years to come or sell it for a good price.
Do you want to learn more about vehicles and other key topics? Our site has many articles to help you with these things.
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