If you are a car owner, it is very likely that you bought your car for the money that you had been putting aside for months or even years. Taking this into account, you might feel very motivated to care for it to the best of your ability.
If you do not know how to go about it, this article should make it a whole lot easier for you!
Here, you will find a list of things you can do to keep your car in top shape for many years to come, ranging from troubleshooting car problems, cleaning the windshield, and replacing air filters every once in a while to rotating your tires, inspecting your brakes, and checking the fluids. Once you are done reading, you should be able to care for your car like a pro, and make sure it’s in top condition when you want to sell it.
Invest in Diagnostic Software
The invention of diagnostic software for cars has been a revolutionary step forward in the automotive industry. It is now possible to diagnose problems with a car’s systems before they become significant issues. One of the most comprehensive and powerful software on the market for car remapping and diagnostics is TOAD; you can read a complete review here https://obd2pros.com/software/toad-review/.
Keep It Clean
Even though a car is practically made of metal and plastic, some people take their cars for granted. Some people do not even bother cleaning their cars at all! If you do not want to end up with a dirty car, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Wash your car regularly (at least once or twice a month):
- Clean the paint job: Use water and a soft sponge to remove stubborn dirt. If you are using an automatic car wash, make sure that you dry your car thoroughly before you drive off. For the metal bits use metal polish
- Clean the windows: Use a squeegee to remove water from the windows.
- Vacuum the interior: If you have pets or kids, you might need to vacuum your car more often.
- Get rid of unpleasant smells: If you have been using your car for transporting dogs, the chances are that your car might smell a little unpleasant.
Replace Air Filters Regularly
If you are driving around in an older car, it is very likely that the air filter is very dirty by now. If it becomes too dirty, it can reduce mileage and fuel efficiency by as much as 20-30%. The good news is that replacing an air filter is not too expensive and it does not take too long.
An easy way to tell if it is time to get a new filter is by checking the manufacturer’s recommendations. You can check the website of your vehicle’s manufacturer or look at your owner’s manual.
Inspect Your Brakes
The brake system is very important but often neglected by many people – after all, it is located under your vehicle, so it is hard to see. That being said, regular inspections are crucial for keeping your brakes in good shape! If you do not know what to look for when inspecting your brakes, here is a list of things you should take into account:
- Check the pads: There should be about 1/8 in (3 mm) of their surface still left. If they are worn out, replace them! In addition to reducing braking efficiency, old pads can also damage your rotors or drums and cause other problems.
- Check the fluid level: Make sure that there is enough brake fluid in the master cylinder reservoir. If not, add more fluid until you reach the “full” line inside the reservoir.
- Check the lines: Make sure that there are no cracks or kinks in any of the lines. Cracked or kinked lines can leak fluid, making braking ineffective and leading to other expensive repairs!
Inspect Your Engine Compartment Regularly
Your engine compartment needs some attention just as much as other parts of your car.
Here are some things to look out for:
- Check the hoses: Any sign of cracking in the hoses should be taken into account right away as any small leak can lead to severe problems with your engine! If you notice anything unusual, bring your car to a repair shop ASAP.
- Check the belts and pulleys: A belt or pulley with any signs of wear should be replaced immediately because it might snap while driving and cause serious problems with your engine. If it does snap, shut off your engine immediately. If possible, drive slowly back home or find a safe place where you can stop. Do not attempt to drive further until you have found a solution.
In Conclusion
When you take great care of your car, you will end up saving money in the long run. This is because your car will stay in top shape and probably won’t break down on the road. Finding a solution for problems that occur unexpectedly can be very expensive, so preventing them can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars!