Nothing matches the happiness of getting a new car. Driving gives you the freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want. Your car will be much safer to drive and last much longer if you take regular steps to ensure it is running well. Maintaining your car doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. Here are the best tips to keep your car running smoothly.
Regular Maintenance
The most important factor in keeping a car in good condition is regular maintenance. Always get regular oil changes, make sure your tires are rotated, and make sure your car gets inspected for any damage. Untreated car problems can cost you a fortune in the long run, so it’s best to invest in regular checkups for your vehicle.
Fixing Your Car at Home
If you don’t want to spend money on getting detailed car inspections, you can always perform some maintenance at home. One of the easiest things to keep track of is the air pressure in your tires. You don’t need to check the tire pressure often, once a month should be enough. If you find that your tire pressure is low, just go to the nearest gas station and fill your tires. Another thing you can monitor is the level of fluids in your car. Antifreeze levels are especially important for people who live in colder climates. You can also learn how to refill things like wiper fluid, antifreeze or power steering fluid.
Act Quickly
If you notice anything wrong with your car, don’t hesitate to take it to a mechanic. Untreated car trouble can lead to major damage, or cause you to have an accident somewhere down the road.
Don’t Save on Fuel
We all like to save money on gas using regular-grade fuel, but just because it’s the cheapest doesn’t mean it’s the best option for your car. Filling your tank up with premium-grade fuel can drastically improve the fuel economy of your vehicle as well as its performance. [1]
Keep Your Car Safe
Always try to park your car in a covered garage. Parking outside can leave your car exposed to many risks. Your car could get damaged by vandals, get covered in leaves, get damaged by the weather conditions or be a target for birds to defecate on. It’s obvious why keeping your car parked inside is essential to prolonging its lifespan. If you don’t have a garage at home, you can always look online and rent out a covered parking space for your vehicle.
Don’t Use Your Emergency Brake Often
If you plan on leaving your car parked for a longer time, make sure that the emergency brake is off. Using your emergency brake too often can result in your brake pads malfunctioning. [2] Also try to refrain from using your emergency brake while driving, unless it’s really an emergency. The last thing you want to happen is to get stranded on the open road with faulty brakes.
1. https://www.erieinsurance.com/blog/regular-and-premium-gas
2. https://blog.firestonecompleteautocare.com/brakes/when-to-use-parking-brake/