In this rapidly developing world, it seems like every other person owns a car, but few people know how to maintain their cars. Your responsibility is not over with the purchase of your dream car but proper maintenance is also needed to keep it in good shape for years to come. Improper car maintenance may be due to lack of knowledge or ignorance; both can hurt your car.
Not properly taking care of your car is penny-wise and pound-foolish. To avoid this situation take proper care of your car so it will take care of you, long term. Even if you keep you car for a short time, you will only get top price for it if you take care of the car. Before starting off with your maintenance schedule, you should know your car’s maintenance requirements. Do refer to your car’s manual for this. Keep in mind that it is you only who can understand your car’s cry for help! It is your duty to keep it in top shape.
At times you will find your car emitting strange smells. These smells are an indication of an upcoming problem. Musty smell means that there is some water clogged below your carpets which you need to dry out. Otherwise it would take no time in rusting your car and your carpet will also be destroyed. Smoke type smells are the most dangerous ones; they signify an electrical problem. Shut down your car immediately and check the bonnet. When your fuel tank gets choked or overflows, strange fuel orders will gather; check it immediately. A sweaty kind of smell takes over when varnish is getting burnt. A burning smell takes over your nostrils when your tires are facing problems and you are driving with your brakes on. Strange smells act as early warning signals for those undesirable repair bills.
Sounds are also a form of your sick car’s language. While you turn your front wheels and hear strange clicking sound check the front shaft. It may fall off. Your engine is overheating if you experience a certain change in the engine’s tone. Stop the car immediately and let it cool down, and show it to your mechanic as soon as possible. Backfiring while you are driving normally is the worst of all and calls for immediate check-up. If you feel your engine knocking then it is high time you get the engine oil checked.
The engine is the most important and hard working component of your car. While you drive it, its moving parts are working at high speed and temperatures. Change your engine oil frequently and get the engine checked regularly.
Tires wear off easily. Maintain them and periodically check for gravel and stone being lodged in the tire threads (and hopefully not nails!).
At times you will notice your brakes not responding. Go for their check-up and refill the brake fuel reservoir.
Clean your battery terminals and feed with grease regularly. Prevent corrosion. Make sure that the plates are at place at all times.
The interiors should be clean at all times. This prevents dust and grime to ruin your car. Clean it not with home based cleaners but cleaners made for this purpose.
The exteriors need the same attention. Clean them regularly with water and soap. This is beneficial for those who look forward to resale of their car.
