Tips to Keep Your Car Running Well
When you buy a vehicle, you want to get the most use from it as possible. Cars, however, have many moving parts and, like other machines, need to be cared for to stay at peak performance. Taking care of your vehicle is quite simple, especially if you use the following eight tips:
1. Make Regular and Simple Checks – Monthly
Check the oil in your vehicle at least once a month. Checking your oil this often can ensure that you know your engine is running properly. Continual low oil, dark or dirty oil can all indicate problems.
Check other fluids, like brake fluid and coolant levels, every other month. This will help keep your engine performing at its best.
2. Stick to the service schedule – Yearly
Every manufacturer sets a maintenance schedule for their vehicles which are found in the owner’s manual. You can use this schedule as a checklist for your vehicle. This schedule will give you mileage and age recommendations for minor and major maintenance for your vehicle.
Using this guideline for maintenance can also help you budget for car upkeep. You can plan on minor maintenance annually and more significant maintenance issues every two to three years.
3. Keep your Car Clean – Always
Keeping your car clean inside and out is a simple way to help it run better. Dirt and dust can build up and clog working parts or cause them to break. Vacuuming your car often and washing it inside and out is an easy way to eliminate this problem.
4. Focus when you drive – Always
Staying focused while driving is another simple way to protect your vehicle. Getting distracted can prevent you from noticing a noise or a problem with your vehicle. Distractions can also lead to accidents which can cause significant damage to your car.
5. Park Indoors – When Possible
If you have access to a garage or a carport area, take advantage of it and park your car under cover. Not only will this protect your vehicle from the elements, it can also help prevent rust and debris accumulation.
Yard debris, like falling leaves, can get into your car’s mechanical areas which can lead to clogging and getting these parts dirty. If the mechanical parts do not run well, the car will need maintenance more often.
6. Listen for Odd Noises – Always
You should always make a point to listen to your car. Hissing, squeaking, rattles, backfiring, popping, and other noises indicate that something is not working right on your vehicle. Many of these issues, if caught early, are simple to fix. However, not fixing them can lead to serious problems.
When you are at a stop light, or idling in your driveway, take a moment to listen to your vehicle. You will know if something sounds odd. Also do this when you are going down the highway. Odd noises can can indicate the presence of other issues while the car is in motion.
7. Inspect Tires – Weekly and Monthly
Tires should always be at the correct pressure for optimal performance. Running on tires that are too low or too high in pressure can cause excessive wear to your vehicle. You can also cause problems with your suspension by not using the right-sized tires for your vehicle. Always use the manufacturers recommended size of tire on your vehicle for the best performance.
You should also check your car’s tread at least once a month. When your tread gets too low it puts you at risk for a blowout and a potential accident. If you see unusual wear on your tires or wires showing, replace your tires immediately.
If your vehicle seems to be driving a little off, you may have uneven wear on your tires. Uneven wear may be fixed by simply rotating your tires. However, if this does not help, you must either have your alignment or suspension checked or replace the tires.
8. Learn Your Dashboard Gauges – Always
There is no reason to wait until your “check engine” light comes on to discover a problem with your car. If you know how to read your gauges, and when to know that something is wrong, you can help prevent serious damage to your car.
Taking care of your car with these simple tips can help you extend its life and reduce the amount you have to invest into it for repairs. Taking the time weekly, monthly, or yearly to follow the maintenance schedule can positively impact how well your car performs and how long it will last. Use these tips to keep your car running well.
When Purchasing a Vehicle
Always remember to run a VINsmart report on any used vehicle before making a purchase. A VINsmart report runs a complete history on the vehicle including whether it has ever been reported as stolen, involved in a major accident, or listed as a totaled vehicle.
VINsmart reports will also give you a registration history and mileage at registration. It reports any significant incidents related to the vehicle, such as being involved in a fire or flood.
When purchasing a used vehicle, the best way to ensure you make a good purchase is to know the vehicle’s complete history.
