Any good car owner knows that properly maintaining your car is one of the most vital responsibilities of ownership. As well as upholding the look and performance of your car, good maintenance can be the key to preserving its resale value or pre-empting costlier repairs or damages in the future. However, maintenance can often fall by the wayside for owners who are too busy or low on funds. Here are some tips and reminders for keeping your car in the best shape possible and saving yourself some money.
Self-maintenance
Doing regular checks and replacements on the various parts of your car is a great way to familiarize yourself with your vehicle as well as ensuring that its in the best condition possible. Here are some things you can do on your own:
– Check your tires – this may seem like an obvious tip but when you're stranded in the middle of nowhere with flat tires, it can come back to haunt you. Make sure that your tires have no leaks and that their valves are properly secured. Also make sure that your tires are well inflated and have sufficient tread. Under-inflated tires can cost you in the long run by diminishing fuel efficiency whilst eroded tires can be dangerous on slippery surfaces.
– Replace your fluids – whether you're talking about engine coolant, brake fluid or transmission fluid, make sure to regularly replace them when they get dirty. Tainted fluid can damage components in your car, preventing them from operating properly and costing more in the future to repair.
– Change your oil – regularly changing the oil and oil filter in your engine is vital to maintaining the performance of your car. Old oil can result in engine failure while the build-up in an oil filter can wear away the gasket, resulting in a leak. While this may vary according to your driving habits, try and change your oil every 24 months to ensure that your engine runs smoothly.
Check-ups
Even if you're a great handyman, there are just some things you can't do yourself. Take your car to your local mechanic or service center for a regular, professional check up. With many mechanics now offering competitive prices for their services, this shouldn't cost too much. Wherever you go, make sure that you're using a trusted and qualified service.
While cars can easily suffer from the wear and tear of everyday driving, constant care and attention can help guarantee that your car remains in excellent condition. While maintenance should prevent costly repairs from arising, keep in mind the state of your car. Sometimes buying a new one can be the cheaper option. If so, make sure to check out the wide range of car loans available. With good maintenance however, there should be no reason why that car can't keep running for many years to come!
