If you have just bought a new or used vehicle from a car dealer, you will want it to last longer. Properly maintaining your car is the surest way to keep it in good shape. It will also save you a lot of money on repairs in the long run – not to mention the fact that your safety will significantly improve. Here are four actionable car maintenance tips to keep your vehicle looking fresh and clean forever.
1. Drive carefully every day
Be considerate with your car and drive with caution wherever you go. The results of this habit are longer intervals without any repairs. But, just what constitutes good driving habits? Well, to add more years to the lifespan of your car, do not race the engine when starting up, especially in colder environments. It’s better to accelerate slowly as engine wear and tear usually occurs within the first 10-20 minutes of operation. Driving at breakneck speeds also stresses your vehicle and increases your risks of accidents.
2. Buy fuel at reputable service stations
Try your best to buy gas from high-quality filling stations. You can ask whether the gas station you patronise filters their fuel and changes their filters regularly. Your car may be exposed to dirty gasoline if you don’t buy your fuel from reputable service stations. Some filling stations try to increase their profits by selling contaminated fuel. And you probably don’t want to stop at a service station that waters down their products. Find a trusted fuel station instead, and feed your car with high-quality fuel.
3. Test and fix your lights
A broken light bulb is a severe hazard you should want to fix as soon as possible. Inspect your lighting systems from time to time before they malfunction at the wrong hour. If one bulb is out, visit your mechanic to determine whether the problem is from the lamp or the fuse box. Headlights are critical safety features in every vehicle as they will brighten up your vision, so always keep them functional. You may also want to take your windshield wipers seriously, as they are essential for your visibility during rainstorms.
4. Check your brakes
Brake failure is one of the most feared nightmares to steer clear of. Therefore, endeavour to inspect and replace your car’s brake pads regularly. While cruising, make it a point to listen for suspicious noise from your brakes. Extreme shuddering and vibration from your brake pedals often signal deep faults. So, consult the nearest service centre when you detect abnormal brake behaviours while driving. Your ability to react early and stop your car from a crash lies in the health of your brakes.
5. Wash your car
Driving exposes your vehicle to all kinds of elements like ice melt, mud, dust, and even bird droppings in the summer. These foreign materials are not only hazards; they reduce the beauty of your car by causing damage to the paint and undercarriage. Washing your car regularly helps get rid of dirt and its negative impact on vehicles’ long-term health.