December 8

Tips For Maintaining Your Car

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Introduction

Mechanics Checking the Car

Cars are pretty much essential today. They help us get from one place to another, allowing us to explore the world in ways that some generations before us never could. Of course, cars come with a lot of benefits, but there’s always a price to pay for anything good. When it comes to cars, that downside is the fact that you have to stay on top of maintaining your car.

Now, for some people maintaining cars is their hobby. It’s their livelihood, and something that they love to do. For other people it’s a bit of a chore, and some people may not even know where to start with maintaining their cars. If this sounds like you, then don’t worry. Keep reading for our tips on how to keep on top of maintaining your car so that it lasts for years to come. apkticket.com

Maintenance Tips To Keep Your Car In Good Conditions

Maintenance Tips to Keep your Car in Good Conditions

So, how do you keep your car in tip top condition so it lasts for years? Here’s everything that you need to know.

Maintain And Inspect Tires

When you’re out on the road, it’s your tires that are going to help you to keep going. If your tires aren’t in good condition then not only do you have little chance of getting to your destinations in a timely manner, but you also run the risk of getting into an accident when you are out on the road. For this reason, it’s important that you know how to inspect and then maintain your tires.

When you inspect your tires there are a couple of things that you need to look for. First, keep an eye out for any damage on the tires. Some tires may have nicks and scratches in them from where they’ve gotten damaged by objects on the floor while you were driving.

If there are big scratches in the tires, then it’s usually better to be safe and replace the tires. If you don’t, there’s the chance that the tires may deflate and you could end up needing help when out on the road because you can’t get home.

In addition to this, one of the most important things that you will need to check on your tires is actually the tire pressure. If your tires are under inflated then the tires can end up getting damaged. This is why it’s so important to keep an eye on the tire pressure at all times, since you don’t want to run the risk of getting into an accident because you have failed to check the tires.

It tends to be fairly simple to check the tire pressure – you just need to use a pressure gauge. They cost very little money, but you can also rent one at your local garage if you need to. The correct tire pressure will depend on your particular vehicle. It’s best to consult the vehicle handbook to see what the correct tire pressure is for your car’s tires.

When it comes to the tires, there are also other things that you can look out for to indicate that you may need to either put new tires on or you may need to inflate them. For instance, if you notice that the car is pulling to one side when you are driving, it may mean that your tires on one side are either under or over inflated.

You may also notice that the steering wheel is vibrating while you are driving, or the wheel is a little bit off center when you are trying to drive in a straight line. You may notice noises like squealing coming from the tires too. Keep an eye out for all of these things as they can help you to stay on top of the maintenance of your tires without checking them every day.

Change Oil

It’s important to ensure that you change your oil regularly. This is a task that some people tend to ignore until it’s too late, so make sure that you keep on top of it! You’ll find that your gas mileage will be better, and your car is likely to last a lot longer if you stay on top of your oil changes too. Cars that aren’t well oiled are cars that aren’t as efficient.

Ideally, you should be ensuring that you check the oil in your engine a minimum of once every two weeks. It’s a simple thing to do and doesn’t take a lot of time. If the oil does need topping up then you can either take it to a garage to be changed, or you can do it yourself at home for free. It’s important that you change it correctly and use the right kind of motor oil though, since different types of motor oil will work for different kinds of cars. One type of motor oil may not be compatible with your car.

So how do you figure out if you need to refill the oil in your engine? Start out by parking the car on a flat surface. You can then open the hood up when the engine has cooled down and look for the dipstick. You may also find certain modern cars that come with electronic oil monitors.

When the dipstick has been found, you can then pull it out and wipe the oil off it, revealing two markings on the dipstick that will tell you the maximum and minimum levels of oil that you will need. Put it back where it came from, then pull it out after a couple of minutes. Look at where the level falls when you pull it out – if it lies in between the minimum and maximum lines then there’s no need to refill right now.

If it looks low then it’s a good idea to top up the oil, and it definitely needs to be topped up if the level is below the minimum line.

Check Various Fluids

Oil isn’t the only fluid that you need to keep under check in your car. In fact there are a few fluids that you will need to check. If you have any leaks of these fluids then it can have a massive impact on the way that the car actually drives. It won’t be very efficient if you try to drive it and the fluid levels are low. You can also usually figure out if you have a leak by checking the color of the fluid. Here are the fluids that you need to check regularly.

Engine Oil

Ever heard the phrase ‘like a well oiled machine’? Well, as we’ve mentioned previously, your engine isn’t going to run as it should if you don’t have enough oil. As such, follow our tips above for advice on how to check the oil levels.

Coolant

You will also need to keep an eye on the coolant. In some places, coolant is known as the antifreeze in your car. This is a very important fluid since it helps to ensure that your engine doesn’t overheat. Overheating can be a death sentence for your car, so it’s something that you will want to avoid at all costs.

To check the coolant, have a look under the hood again and try to find the proper tank for the fluid.  If you aren’t sure where it is then you can look in the vehicle handbook to work it out. You need to ensure that, much like the engine oil, the coolant levels are in between the minimum and maximum markers. If they aren’t then it’s a sign that you will need to top up the reservoir.

Power Steering Fluid

Power steering fluid is exactly what it sounds like – it allows you to turn the steering wheel without having to force it in one direction or the next. If your power steering fluid levels are low then you may find that it’s difficult to turn the wheel. As such, it’s pretty easy to know if the fluid levels are low – you’ll have a hard time turning the wheel and your steering will sound very loud. Refilling your power steering fluid is something that you can often do without being a mechanic, but you may want to speak to a professional about getting it done if you aren’t sure of what to do.

Brake Fluid

Without brake fluid, your brakes aren’t going to work properly and that can cause accidents when you’re out on the road. You can usually tell if brake fluid is low when you are driving, since a brake warning light may come up on your dashboard and the brakes will feel slack when you press on them. It will usually take longer to stop if the fluid is low too.

Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid is important because without it, your vehicle’s transmission can be damaged and that can result in all sorts of issues with your car. If you are noticing that your transmission fluid levels are low then it may be worth speaking with a mechanic, because there’s a chance that there’s an issue like a leak or something else, and you may need to get a service done.

Test Lights Frequently

The lights in your car are there for more than just helping you to work out where your car is when it’s dark outside. They are essential for keeping you safe when you are driving. If there’s a bulb or a light that’s out on your car that can be potentially disastrous.

At the very minimum there’s a chance that you could get a fine from the police. At worst, you may not be able to see where you are going when you are on the road and you could have a collision. It’s important that you learn how to check the lights.

It’s usually pretty simple to do it with the headlights, since all you need to do is turn on the engine of the car and put the headlights on. You can then get out of the car and check in the front of the car to see if they are working. You can do the same thing with the tail lights. It will be fairly obvious if the lights inside of the car aren’t working, since they won’t turn on if you try to turn them on.

If you do notice that some of the lights are out in your car, the best thing to do is to take the car to a garage to get it fixed rather than attempting to do it at home. This will help to ensure that it’s all done correctly. It’s also a good idea to do things to maintain the brightness on the lights too, such as cleaning the lenses regularly and replacing bulbs if the lights are beginning to look like they’re fading in intensity.

Replace Windshield Wipers Often

Your windshield wipers aren’t there for decoration! They’re very important, especially on rainy days where you need to be able to see properly out of the window. They are also important for removing debris and water off the windshield. A lot of people neglect their windshield wipers when they are checking on their car, but it’s best not to ignore them.

If you are noticing that your windshield wipers have had better days and they aren’t working as efficiently as they should be, then it may be time to replace them. The main thing that you need to do is to get a pair of windshield wipers that will work with your car – cars can vary in terms of size, meaning that the windshield can be different sizes too.

There’s no use in getting a tiny pair of windshield wipers that won’t cover the whole space on your windshield. When you have the windshield wipers, you can then fit them. Follow the instructions on the wipers or in your vehicle manual to see how to do this.

Alternatively, you can get someone else to help you to change them. You should be replacing the wipers whenever your windshield wipers stop working as they should. This will help to keep you safe when you’re out on the road.

Change Engine Air Filter

Car Engine

If your air filter in your engine is dirty, this can cause some big problems. It can allow dirt to get into your engine, and this can cause damage to the engine. Again, this means that the car is not going to work as it should.

You may be able to tell if the air filter needs to be changed when it is running, since you may notice that you are struggling to accelerate in the car and the performance of the engine may not be great. All you need to do to manually check if it needs changing is to pull the air filter out of the car and put it in the air up against some light or sun.

If it looks dirty then it’s a good sign that you need to change the air filter. As a general rule though, it’s a good idea to change the air filter in the engine a minimum of once every calendar year. If you keep an eye on it regularly though you will be able to select the right times to change it based on its current condition.

Conduct Regular Check-ups

Every car needs a checkup every now and again, and sometimes you aren’t the best person for the job. Sure, there are a lot of things that you can do on your own from the comfort of your own garage, but unless you’re a mechanic there are some things that are much better left to the professionals. Don’t just take your vehicle to the mechanic when the check engine light is on and your car is on its last legs!

There are a number of different benefits of taking your car to a professional on a regular basis. For starters, it’s one of the best ways to help to ensure that you are safe on the road, since mechanics can often spot and prevent problems before they actually cause you any issues at all.

Your car is also far more likely to last longer if a professional is checking on it regularly, since your car will get the servicing that it needs. A professional should also be able to check over some of the more complex mechanisms of a car for you too, such as the wheel bearings and the alternator. If these aren’t things that you are overly familiar with then it’s certainly worth your time to take your car to a mechanic to get things checked out.

Get Your Brakes Checked

The accelerator is often where most of the fun is when it comes to your car, but that doesn’t mean that it’s the only important pedal lying underneath your feet. In fact, your brakes are probably one of the most important pedals that you can have.

We hardly need to mention the benefits of having properly working brakes, but in case you didn’t know, brakes are crucial to your safety. If your brakes aren’t working properly then the risk of getting into an accident will be much higher since you won’t be able to stop in time, especially in emergencies. Likewise, if you go into the road and get pulled over by law enforcement, your license could be taken away from you if your brakes aren’t working properly. Driving without properly working brakes can put not only your life, but the lives of other motorists at risk too.

Make sure that you are getting your brakes serviced regularly with a professional. In the meantime, make sure that your ears are wide open when you’re out on the road. Listen out for any sounds that may suggest that you have issues with your brakes. You may also notice the brake pedals vibrating or shuddering if they aren’t working properly. If you notice any issues then you should immediately visit a mechanic to get it fixed before heading out onto the road again.

Wash The Vehicle Often

Wash car

You want to keep your car looking pristine for years to come, right? Well, if that is the case then you need to make sure that you are washing your car on a regular basis.

Washing your car isn’t only good to keep it looking like it’s just come off the showroom floor either – it can also help to prevent damage to the paint on the car from things like ice and road salt. You can prevent any long term issues with your car by cleaning it on a regular basis.

Just grab some car cleaning materials and some water, or visit a professional valet service to make your car look squeaky clean. You will certainly thank yourself for it, and so will your car!

Frequently Check Belts & Hoses

Your car is far more likely to run efficiently if the belts and the hoses in it are in good working order. Things like the timing belt and serpentine belt can cause some major problems if broken – you may find yourself having to call a vehicle recovery service when you are out on the road if either of these break when you are out.

You can avoid any issues by simply keeping an eye on them regularly to see if they are working okay. Check them out whenever you are changing the oil, and make sure that your mechanic is checking over them when you go in for a car service too.

Review The Car’s Insurance

Insurance is really important for your car, though some people may wonder if there’s even a point. Without insurance, you can be caught in some pretty sticky situations if the car ends up getting into an accident and you need a replacement.

It’s especially problematic if you are currently paying for the car with a car loan, since without good insurance there’s a chance that you may need to pay back a loan for a car that you no longer own thanks to an accident. This is certainly not an ideal situation!

In order to avoid issues, make sure that you are reviewing your insurance policy every now and again to ensure that it still suits your needs. You will want to make sure that you have full coverage so that you aren’t caught out with any unexpected surprises in the event that you get into an accident.

Keep Weight Down

Your car isn’t going to run as quickly or efficiently if it’s lumbered down with a bunch of stuff. For this reason, it’s a good idea to minimize the amount of things – or people – that you are carrying in your car. After all, if you are carrying more weight in the car, you are also reducing your fuel economy and you are far more likely to have to spend more money on fuel.

Empty anything out of your car that doesn’t need to be there. Look in the trunk, the doors, the glove box and anywhere else that you can think of. Only keep things in there if they have to be in there. Things like breakdown kits, spare tires, toolkits, and a jack are all good to keep in your car since you never know when you are going to need them.

Consider Having The Car Rust Proof

Thankfully a lot of cars that are made today are designed to be very anti-rust. With that being said, metal corrosion can still cause some pretty big issues for your car and can mean that you will need to get a new car sooner rather than later.

Your car isn’t going to be able to recover as well once the rust starts settling in. As such, it’s very important to get any rust spots that you see rectified as soon as you possibly can. You should get it professionally resprayed as soon as you can. It’s also a good idea to rust proof the chassis. You can buy products that will allow you to do this fairly easily.

Resist Modifications

We get it – your car is a reflection of you. It’s only natural to want the car to look just the way that you like it. It totally makes sense, but here’s the thing – modifications can actually reduce the performance of the car and it’s likely to mean that the car doesn’t last as long either.

Not only that, but it’s expensive to get the car modified and it most likely won’t make the car’s value increase either. In many cases, the car is actually likely to be worth less when you modify it since depreciation can set in. Keep your car the way that it was originally.

Avoid Potholes And Rougher Roads

Potholes and rough roads are annoying. Why can’t someone just fix them, right? Well, until someone does get all the potholes fixed, you need to make sure that you are looking out for your car. Stay away from the potholes and the rough roads, instead opting for roads that are likely to be smoother.

By avoiding these problematic road conditions, you can save your suspension, exhaust and tires from suffering any unnecessary damages. Sometimes even your catalytic converters can be damaged by potholes, so it’s better not to take the chance. Always try to take the roads with the smoother surfaces since they are far less likely to damage your car.

Avoid Resting Foot On The Clutch As Much As Possible

If you drive a manual car rather than an automatic, then you’ll know how tempting it is to constantly keep your foot on the clutch. After all, if you keep your foot on the clutch then it will allow you easy access to it so you can change gears much faster.

It can also be a natural instinct to keep your foot on the clutch. The problem with this is that you are constantly pushing on the clutch release bearing and putting it into contact with the clutch cover. This can cause a lot of friction between the two, and this is likely to result in the need to replace the clutch far sooner than is actually necessary.

Instead of keeping your foot on the clutch, it is much better to keep your foot to the side of the clutch. Likewise, avoid keeping your hand resting on the gearstick all the time too, since it can also cause problems in your gearbox if you aren’t careful. Keep your hands on the wheel and feet on the floor!

Don’t Get Too Low On Fuel

There are very few people that actually enjoy going to the fuel station for a top up. Fuel costs a lot of money after all! With that being said though, getting too low on fuel can be really bad for your car.

More air, debris and other nasty substances can get into your car’s system, and your car will attempt to power itself using this debris and air. This can cause blockages in the pumps and filters, eventually causing serious damage to the car in general. Your car may even struggle to start later down the line.

You can easily avoid this problem by constantly keeping your car topped up with fuel. Don’t drive around with barely a quarter of a tank remaining. Instead, just keep your tank full so your car has plenty of fuel to run on. It’ll help you to avoid expensive bills in the long run when it’s time for repairs.

Summary

Car Wheels being changed

A well maintained car is a happy car. Do you know what that means? That’s right – it means that you are likely to be happier too, since you won’t be spending a small fortune on repairs. By following the tips in this guide, you should be able to see any problems coming from a mile away and can often prevent them from happening in the first place.


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