AutomobileGator
So, you finally went out and bought a car. That’s great, as it is a responsible thing to do. Now, you’ll have a ride to stores, schools, workplaces, and more. Not to mention, you will be able to go out to the movies, play golf, or partake in hobbies. However, if you don’t properly care for the machine, you could soon find yourself having to walk on foot to get everywhere.
That’s because significant systems and components tend to go down when people don’t maintain their vehicles adequately. Then, the cars often leave them stranded on roadsides. Of course, if an individual is lucky, his or her vehicle will break down at their home in the driveway.
Use these vehicle maintenance tips and tricks to keep your engine, transmission, and other parts in peak condition. Hopefully, they will then serve you without fail, and you won’t have to worry about a thing. You should probably consider investing in a used car warranty to start things off.
Pre-Owned Vehicle Warranties
Consumers can purchase car warranties from local dealerships, but they are also available through third-party sellers. Therefore, because multiple options are out there, you will want to make it a point to research companies and products thoroughly. Get at least three quotes before choosing a provider. Also, check to see how much a plan’s deductible is ahead of signing on the dotted line.
Typically, the amount is around $100. That is what the policyholder pays at the time of service, while the warranty company covers the rest of the parts and labor costs. An extended car warranty may run as little as $350 to $700 annually. However, according to other research, the average price of a guarantee is around $2,550. Various factors determine the total cost, including:
- Age
- Mileage
- Make/model
- Location
- Warranty company
Be sure to take some sort of action, as doing nothing could leave you on the hook for expensive auto repairs.
Change the Oil
Car engines require oil. It keeps parts lubricated and moving freely. But the substance tends to break down and become less effective as it ages. Then, it doesn’t lubricate as it once did, and components can freeze. Therefore, car owners need to keep their oil changed. In the past, this task was usually completed at every 3,000 miles, but thanks to breakthroughs regarding black gold, manufacturers often only call for oil changes at 5,000 to 7,000 miles now.
You can look inside your owner’s manual to determine exactly when oil changes should happen for your vehicle. Don’t stress out if that book isn’t handy, though. There is also the option of calling the service department of your dealership. A team member there should be able to tell you what you need to know. Or, if you’d rather deal with the staff at a local mechanic shop, that can help you figure out when to get your oil changed too.
Check the Oil
Yes, changing the oil and oil filter at appropriate intervals is important. However, you’ll also need to keep an eye on the oil level between changes. It is usually recommended that vehicle owners do this deed once a month. So, that is a good starting point. Then, if you need to make adjustments to your routine down the line, that is fine. After all, not all cars have the same needs.
If you find the oil level on the dipstick to be low, refill it to the appropriate level. The last thing you’ll want is to ride around with no lubricant in the powertrain. That’s because that could result in a disaster. For example, the motor might throw a rod or bend a piston.
Replace the Windshield Wipers
It can be easy to overlook things that are so simple to fix at times. And replacing windshield wipers can sometimes make that list, even though they shouldn’t. Without them being in tip-top condition, you might not be able to see in the rain, sleet, or snow. Hence, do yourself a favor and change your wipers as necessary to ensure your visibility doesn’t become limited in your car.
If you can’t see a vehicle, bicyclist, or something else, a wreck might occur and one you are responsible for causing. Therefore, replace your windshield wipers once every six months to twelve months. However, if issues like squeaking, streaking, or vibrations won’t stop, you might have to change the parts even sooner.
Wash the Exterior
Vehicles encounter various elements while they’re on the road. Then again, different things such as tree sap or bugs could wreak havoc on your paint when it’s parked in your driveway. That’s why you need to make it a priority to wash your exterior. This should be completed once per week or at least twice per month. You can hand wash the vehicle at home if you wish. Or, you can take it to a car wash to have it machine or hand washed. Just be careful with the former because you want to protect your paint, and if apparatuses are too rough, they could leave scratches behind.
Don’t Forget the Wax
As for waxing, this should be done twice per year or every six months. Wax can sometimes buff out small blemishes, providing that they aren’t too deep. Not only that, but it will also leave the vehicle’s exterior looking bright and shiny. Wax adds a layer of protection to the outside of your car. It keeps the clear coat intact and prevents the body from rusting.
Check Tire Pressure
New vehicles are equipped with Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems. Generally speaking, these units are usually accurate within 1-PSI. However, there are occasions where the systems can be off. Then, a person can get a flat tire without even realizing it. Meanwhile, older models don’t have such features. If you own one of them or simply don’t trust the diagnostic tool, use a tire pressure gauge and manually check the air pressure in your tires.
Research shows that underinflated tires increase the chances of crashes. And often, the collisions in question are rollovers. The incidents are violent, and they can leave vehicle occupants seriously injured. In addition, people can even get killed in these situations. But it isn’t always only tires that are to blame. That’s because underinflated tires get paired with inexperienced drivers and bad weather.
Visually Inspect Tires
Aside from checking the air in your tires, it is a good idea to give them visual inspections from time to time. You’ll want to be on the lookout for bald spots, knots, or punctures from things like nails or screws. Plus, have you ever seen a wheel with dry rot? If this problem exists, you should be able to spot cracking on the sidewalls.
When tire issues develop, drivers lose control occasionally because of vibrations and pulling. Therefore, you will want to address the matters as soon as possible. So, visit a tire shop promptly when dilemmas arise and stop them from wreaking havoc on your day. The professional staff might be able to repair a unit via a plug or patch. But, of course, a tire replacement service may be necessary as well.
How about the penny test? Do you use it once a month to check your tire tread? If you answered no, now is as good a time as any to change that. Basically, you take a penny and stick it between the tread ribs facing you. If most of Lincoln’s head is visible, you should get geared up to spend what feels like a small fortune on new tires. But, if most of the head is buried, that means there is still more than 2/32-inches of tread, and the wheels will likely last you for a bit longer.
Final Thoughts
Properly maintaining your vehicle can be a pretty tall order, but it doesn’t have to be. Car owners can use tips like these to make the endeavor easier. However, this advice only begins to scratch the surface. You’ve probably learned about other stuff over the years that can help too. Thus, don’t be afraid to add your own tidbits to the list here and there. Then, your maintenance routine will be set, and you’ll be able to keep that car you love so much in stellar condition for years to come.
