A vehicle is at its best when it is maintained. That means checking every basic part of the car and making sure the car is performing at its best. It doesn’t take long to do, but it’s important.
Follow these easy tips for maintaining your car and keeping it at its optimum. Many of these items can be checked if you head to your local car maintenance shop as well. But it’s important to know what you need to maintain over your vehicle’s life span.
Gasoline
Not only is it safe to stay at a quarter of a tank, but it’s great to keep that tank full when possible. Making sure you are using the proper fuel for your car is important too. Most vehicles run on 89 gas which is typically the most inexpensive gasoline.
Exterior Cleaning
Washing your car when possible is great. You can always join a car wash club that you can easily pull through when you are on the road. Keeping it clean from dirt and the windows clean is important. In addition, waxing your car about once a year will maintain the longevity of the paint and keep it looking new.
Tires
Look at the inside door for your tire pressure numbers. Once you check those out, get a tire pressure gauge and check that your tires are staying at those numbers. Many gas stations also have these gauges, but it would be a good idea to keep that in the glove box. When the weather changes, the tire pressure on your car will change. Also, check the tire for wear by seeing how much tread is left. You can also have a tire shop do this. They will also rotate tires, align the car, and check the brakes and brake pads.
Brakes and Brake Pads
This is another one a tire shop can check for you. If you need new pads, then they will replace them for you. If you start to feel an inability to brake or some squealing, get them checked but make sure to maintain them as well.
Oil
Oil must be changed every three months or every 3,000 miles. Oil is what keeps your engine’s parts rotating smoothly and working properly from heat to small bits that can contaminate the oil. Your oil needs to be changed to lubricate the engine and keep all your parts going strong.
Air Filter
When the air filter gets clogged, it can reduce your gas mileage and makes it hard for your car to break. Most air filters can last up to 10,000 miles, but it’s important to get these checked.
Wiper Fluid
Make sure to top off your wiper fluid, especially if you live in colder climates and need the antifreeze wiper fluid. Fill the reservoir up before trips or before weather changes.
Wiper Blades
Check that your wiper blades are smoothly going over your window surface. Also, look for dry rot or the rubber not working as well. These are simple to buy and put on your car.
Interior
Clean and wipe down your car and seats. If needed, you can use leather wipes, fabric cleaner, and more. This will keep your car smelling and feeling new inside.
