A considerable sense of responsibility goes into owning a car. It is not just about using it every day. You have to take care of your car, make sure it is maintained, and have the right insurance in place.
CARCHEX reviews highlight the importance of insurance. While this is an added cost for a benefit you would not want to use, you will be happy to have it when you need it.
Check the Tire Pressure
One of the simplest vehicle maintenance tips is to check your tire pressure.
Improper tire pressure means the car will not handle well and not have the best grip to stop at the right moment when you brake. It will also become prone to blowouts, which you do not want to happen.
Cars with tires at the correct pressure handle properly and help save money by increasing fuel efficiency. There is no reason not to spend a few minutes checking and fixing the air in your tires.
You would also want to keep an eye on this as you drive. Outside factors such as temperature and how long you have been driving can cause the pressure to change.
Ideally, you should check your tire pressure every time you stop to fill up for gas. Barring that, checking every other stop for gas should catch most problems.
When checking your tire pressure, do it while they are cold or before being used for some time. That helps get the most accurate reading. Get to a gas station closest to your house to check it. And if you have been driving for some time already, let the tires rest before checking.
If you are not sure of the correct tire pressure, you can always check the user manual or the panel by the driver-side door.
Check Oil Level
Oil is the vehicle’s blood, essentially. Its primary purpose is to lubricate all the different moving parts in your engine so they run smoothly. Without oil and lubrication, the engine could get seriously damaged.
Motor oil is responsible for transferring heat away from combustion. That is important to avoid overheating.
Get into the habit of checking your oil levels. As with the previously discussed tire pressure, you should do this every time you stop to fill up on gas.
That should be a simple task. You just need a few minutes and a clean paper towel.
- Turn off the engine for about five minutes to allow all the oil to go back into the pan.
- Make sure the car is on level ground to get an accurate reading.
- Find the engine’s dipstick. That usually has the sign OIL on it or an oil can icon.
- Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean with the paper towel.
- Place it back inside, making sure to go all the way.
- Pull it back out. But do not turn the stick upside down once you pull it up.
From here, you can now read how much oil you have by looking at the end part. There should be one or two holes that act as an indicator. If the oil mark is below the bottom hole, you need to top it off with a quarter pint of oil.
It is also important to note that having too much oil is equally bad for the car. Make sure to keep it within the correct levels as shown by the indicator or the user manual.
Keep Your Car Clean
A clean car is a healthy car. It is also a sign of a good owner. Not only is it visually appealing, but it can help you prevent further damage as well.
Do not wait for your vehicle to have a layer of dirt or grime before cleaning it. Cleaning it once a month is a good starting point. Also, make it a habit of throwing away candy wrappers, receipts, and other junk instead of keeping them in the car.
Pay close attention to your windshield as well. If it gets dirty, your vision can get impaired. That is never a good thing out on the open road.
It is also a good idea to check your headlights. Make sure that they are clean and free from obstruction. A dirty headlight means it would not illuminate the road properly and impair your vision.
Read the Manual
Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your car healthy and functioning at its highest level. How do you do that? It is actually in the manual.
That gives a detailed guide on how and when to maintain your vehicle. Make sure to read and follow it.
By keeping your car in good shape through proper maintenance, you not only ensure it has a high lifespan but also secure yourself and your passengers as well.