You’ve been enjoying the open road with your car for a few years now. While you love it, you already feel that your car’s performance has deteriorated. You’re now considering if you’re due for a new car purchase.
Well, before you take such an extreme step, there are actually some ways to improve your car’s performance. Here are the six secret techniques to help your vehicle run smoother and better for much longer.
- Keep the engine well-maintained.
If there’s one thing you need to pay attention to when it comes to the car, it’s the engine. After all, if it’s not working, you won’t have a functioning vehicle at all. As we said in this article, if you can only do one engine maintenance procedure forever, it should be changing the oil. Remember, the engine does not work without oil. As each car is different, you should only change the oil as instructed by your owner’s manual.
Aside from the oil, you should also make sure to check on the various other parts of your car engine. These include spark plugs, fan belts, timing belts, and many more. If your motor is well maintained, you’ll definitely have a well-functioning vehicle for a long time.
- Always check your tires.
You might have experienced trying to drive uphill only to have your tires spin. Or perhaps you took a curve and felt like your car was not gripping the road very well. If that’s the case, there might be a problem with your tires, not necessarily your whole vehicle. As we said in this blog post, tires generally last six years. But don’t wait for the six-year mark before checking your tires. Check your tires as frequently as possible, especially if you plan to take a long drive or road trip. If your tires have worn down to the point that they have no treads, replace them immediately. New tires are an investment; think of your safety!
Also, preserve your tires as much as possible by avoiding holes and debris on the roads. Be careful when parking not to scrape your tires along the curb or hit parking barriers. Use the proper air pressure, and don’t forget to have your tires rotated and aligned regularly to extend their life.
- Don’t leave heavy objects in your car.
For example, if you’re a frequent diver or golfer, it’s tempting to leave your equipment in the car. Why bother lugging your golf clubs or oxygen tanks out when you’re just going to put them back, right? Well, as Rac.co said, most cars can carry a lot, but you also run the risk of overloading them. The more weight you leave in the car, the more strain you place on your automobile. The extra, hefty weight affects your braking, suspension, and other car parts. It will also cause the vehicle to work harder, meaning it will use up more fuel. Travel light as much as possible, and you’ll definitely feel the difference.
- Regularly clean your car.
You might feel like you need a new car because your car looks and feels old. But maybe you just need to have it cleaned. Bring it to a professional car wash, or do it yourself. Buff out any scratches that you can, then wax your car’s exterior. Car wax gives a layer of protection that shields your car’s surface from pollution, dirt, and other elements.
At the same time, regularly clean the interiors. Vacuum the seats and launder the car seat covers. Get rid of accumulated dirt on car rugs and interior compartments. A clean car will look and feel new and fresh!
- Get a car transport service instead of driving it yourself.
If you’re planning to relocate, you might be tempted to drive your car all the way to your new location. You might think you’ll end up saving your money that way. However, if you driven your vehicle for long distances, especially loaded down with personal belongings, which can contribute to your car’s wear and tear. Lengthy trips affect the engine, the tires, and all the other parts of the vehicle. That might mean a costly maintenance check or repair in the near future. You’ll also end up spending more on fuel. We suggest hiring a car transport service instead. You’ll have a company that specializes in transporting vehicles taking special care of your car. And because the company transports it, your vehicle will be subjected less to weather and environmental elements. As long as you hire a reputable and insured transport business, you’ll have peace of mind about your car’s safety.
- Drive carefully at all times.
Always drive carefully. Here are a few specific examples when it comes to careful driving:
- Do not rev your car’s engine while in neutral. And don’t idle for too long upon startup.
- Accelerate the car slowly when starting to move to reduce stress to your engine and drivetrain. Avoid driving at high speeds as well, especially in extreme weather conditions.
- If you’re using an automatic transmission, shift to neutral at stop lights, so the engine stops working hard to propel the vehicle.
Now that you know these techniques, they’re really not so secret, are they? They’re immediately applicable and straightforward methods. Make sure to implement these techniques to improve your car’s performance. You’ll feel like you’re driving a brand new car all over again!
Want to learn more helpful information about cars? Make sure to check out the other articles here on our auto blog.