Owning a car is an investment, and just like any other investment, you want to make sure you’re taking good care of it. But what should that look like?
What’s the best way to maintain your car so that it can last for years to come? With that in mind, this blog post will explore the top advice on how to properly maintain your car. From regularly checking tire pressure and changing oil filters to checking engine lights and more, read on to learn how you can extend the life of your vehicle and keep it running smoothly.
How often to change your car’s oil
Your car’s oil needs to be changed every 3,000 miles or every 3 months, whichever comes first. Over time, your car’s oil will break down and become less effective at lubricating your engine. This can lead to increased wear and tear on your engine, which can ultimately lead to costly repairs.
To keep your car running smoothly and avoid expensive repairs, it’s important to change your car’s oil regularly. How often you need to change your oil will depend on the make and model of your vehicle, but most experts agree that you should change it every 3,000 miles or every 3 months, whichever comes first.
If you’re not sure how often to change your car’s oil, consult your owner’s manual or ask a trusted mechanic for advice.
How often to wash the car
It is important to maintain your car to keep it running properly and looking its best. One important part of maintenance is washing your car. You should wash your car regularly to remove dirt, salt, and other debris that can damage the paint or cause rust.
How often you wash your car depends on a few factors. If you live in an area with a lot of snow or salt on the roads, you will need to wash your car more often. If you live in a rural area with dirt roads, you can probably get away with washing your car less often. The best way to determine how often to wash your car is to look at it. If it looks dirty, it’s time for a wash.
Washing your car doesn’t have to be a huge chore. You can wash your car by hand, in a self serve car wash or take it through a drive-through car wash. If you wash your car by hand, be sure to use gentle soap and avoid scrubbing too hard, which can damage the paint.
When to rotate your car’s tyres
It is important to rotate your car’s tyres every 5,000 to 8,000 miles to ensure even wear. This will prolong the life of your tyres and save you money in the long run. Keep in mind that if you have a full-time all-wheel drive vehicle, it is recommended to rotate the tyres every 2,500 to 3,000 miles. This is best done during an oil change. Plus, it is important to check the air pressure of your tyres at least once a month. Not to mention, make sure your wheels are properly aligned.
A mechanic can help you rotate your tyres, but you can also do it yourself. If you decide to do this on your own, make sure to follow the tyre rotation pattern provided in your car’s owner’s manual.
How to check your car’s tyre pressure
It’s important to check your car’s tire pressure regularly to ensure optimal performance and fuel efficiency. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a digital tire pressure gauge. You can find these at most auto parts stores.
- Remove the cap from the valve stem on your tire.
- Place the gauge on the valve stem and press down firmly until you hear a hissing sound. This means that the gauge is properly sealed.
- Wait for a few seconds while the reading stabilizes, then read the pressure on the gauge’s display.
- Compare the reading to your car’s recommended tire pressure, which can be found in your owner’s manual or on a sticker inside your driver-side door panel. If the reading is lower than recommended, add air to your tires; if it’s higher, release some air using the valve stem tool.
What to do if you get a flat tyre
If you get a flat tire, the first thing you should do is stay calm. Then, you’ll want to move your car to a safe location, like the shoulder of the road. Once you’re in a safe spot, you can begin changing your tire. To do this, you’ll need to locate your spare tire and jack. Once you have those items, follow these steps:
- Loosen the lug nuts on your flat tire with the lug wrench. You’ll want to do this before raising the car because it will be easier to turn the wrench when the tire is still on the ground.
- Place the jack under the frame of your car near the flat tire. Then, pump the jack handle until the flat tire is lifted off the ground.
- Remove the lug nuts and then take off the flat tire. Be careful not to damage the rim as you’re removing it.
- Put your spare tire on and hand-tighten each of the lug nuts until their snug. You don’t want to over-tighten them at this point because you’ll need to lower your car back down and may need to readjust them after that process.
- Lower your car back down to the ground and then use your lug wrench to tighten each nut as much as possible until they’re all secure.
How to jump-start a car
If your car has a dead battery, you’ll need to jump-start it before you can drive it. Here’s how to do it:
- Park the working vehicle close to the dead vehicle, but make sure the batteries don’t touch.
- Connect the positive (red) terminal of the dead battery to the positive terminal of the working battery.
- Connect the negative (black) terminal of the working battery to a solid metal ground on the dead vehicle. This could be a bolt on the engine block or frame.
- Start the working vehicle and let it run for a few minutes.
- Try starting the dead vehicle. If it doesn’t start, check your connections and make sure that the terminals are not touching each other or any other metal surface.
To ensure you keep your car running smoothly and looking great, it’s important to follow the advice in this article. Regular maintenance of your car is key for avoiding more expensive repairs down the road, so be sure to check all fluids regularly and change them as needed, check brakes and tires often, get regular oil changes, and keep up with any other repair needs. Doing these simple things will help extend the life of your vehicle while ensuring that you’re driving safely at all times.