Life is full of investments and purchases. Acquiring any object always represents an effort, but our car is usually one of the most significant investments.
Every day manufacturers bring new technologies for the comfort and safety of the driver and passengers. However, there are some tips to take care of your car that you can practice to make the most of your car’s useful life.
#1 Apply a coat of wax to protect the paint
Our car can be constantly exposed to stains on the paint, as well as the deterioration of the paint by agents such as the sun and rain.
Waxing the car from time to time is highly recommended to restore the protective film and keep the paint in good condition.
In addition, there are other things you can do, such as covering the car with a tarp or under a roof to reduce the effects of the weather.
#2 Maintain the brakes and pads
It is advisable to visit the workshop periodically to check the braking system’s condition, which is in constant wear due to the friction produced every time you press the pedal.
Having brakes in good condition will substantially improve your vehicle’s responsiveness, helping you prevent accidents. It would also be good to make sure that there are no objects on the floor of your car that could move and obstruct the way you brake regularly.
#3 Purchase an insurance policy
Probably the best thing you can do if you want to protect your valuable assets. An accident, no matter how small, can result in hundreds or thousands of dollars out of your pocket if you don’t have a full coverage policy.
It is highly advisable to investigate the different plans of reliable insurance companies. This way, you will have total certainty that you will be protected against any unpleasant surprises.
#4 Change the fuel filter as recommended
The fuel filter is a significant part of the engine. It is in charge of filtering particles and sediments found in the fuel. A new filter allows the fuel to reach the engine more cleanly.
It prevents debris from building up and helps the car work properly. This way, the car will not have extra work when burning gasoline or diesel.
#5 Test the shock absorbers periodically
It is necessary to keep shock absorbers in good condition to extend the tires’ life and drive stability. Shock absorbers wear out due to the impacts a car may suffer during travel over speed bumps or uneven areas.
Shock absorbers help keep the wheels glued to the asphalt, reducing wear. An indication that your car may need new shock absorbers is when you notice that it makes a noise when moving forward or becomes very unsettled when you go over a hole. It is also advisable to change them every 60,000 km.
#6 Check any the warning lights on time
Although this may seem like a tiny thing, many times, we don’t pay enough attention to that little warning on the dashboard.
When the lights come on to check the battery, oil pressure, engine temperature, etc., the best thing to do is to take your car to a mechanic who will diagnose the vehicle’s general condition.
It may not be a significant problem, but if it is not, the mechanic will be able to diagnose any problems in time.
#7 Filling the gas tank before the empty light comes on
Even if the fuel filter is in good condition after a few years, sediment accumulates at the bottom of the fuel tank, creating a thick layer.
When driving on minimum fuel, the car will eventually get a hold of this layer of sediment, and some coarse particles will pass into the engine, causing damage to the interior.
Always drive with a good amount and avoid going to the minimum to refuel. The idea is to stay with a quarter of the tank’s total capacity.
#8 Check the condition of the tires
Your car tires can be exposed to temperatures and bodies that produce a loss of pressure. Therefore, ensuring they are at their ideal air point is essential.
If you maintain the proper tire pressure on your tires, you will notice that your vehicle will have a better overall performance when it comes to gas mileage, engine, transmission, etc.
#9 Change the air filter regularly
For the combustion process to be carried out properly, the engine must have a constant flow of air. The air filter is in charge of giving this “breath” to the vehicle.
Plus, this filtration system also prevents insects, particles, or contaminating elements from the environment from entering the car.
The filter must be changed regularly so as not to saturate it. When the filter does not work correctly, the air the car receives is insufficient, which will cause the engine to work harder and consume extra gasoline.
#10 Flush the cooling System
The radiator, pump, and coolant are the main elements of the cooling system. Hence, this way, the car does not overheat. Keeping a good amount of antifreeze liquid is very important, no matter if you are in the winter or summer season.
This automated mechanism works by sending cooling material to the engine when the temperature reaches very high levels, at which the engine could fail due to overheating.
The pump is responsible for sending the antifreeze from the radiator to the engine site. After this process, the pump receives this liquid back into the radiator to be cooled.
From what we have mentioned, we can talk about the coolant as a vital part of the vehicle’s operation. This liquid must maintain normal levels and cannot exceed the minimum or maximum limits because it directly affects the movement of the whole car.
In the same way, if you find any problem with the vehicle’s temperature, it is best to take the car to a professional to prevent these problems from progressing and becoming more detailed breakdowns.
#11 Get oil changes done on time
We have left as the last point, one of the most important, and it is the oil change. This material allows all parts of the engine to stay well-lubricated and not wear out due to continuous use.
Without good oil, the engine will soon stop working, and when the changes are given over very long periods, the propeller will likely suffer severe damage.
The oil change time will vary according to the needs of each engine. The type of oil to be replaced also has a significant influence; mineral and synthetic oils work differently.
Another way to measure the time when the oil should be changed is the mileage. According to Your Amazing Car, this change should be done at 5,000 km and 8,000 km. In these cases, you should always check the manual with a professional to verify these times.
When changing the oil, it is imperative to change the filter simultaneously. This is a crucial element because it prevents dirt from entering the engine.
When the oil and filter are changed, the change in the operation of the vehicle is evident; it starts to run smoother and give better responses when driving.
