Your car is probably one of the most significant and valued purchases you have made. It is also one of the essential assets that many of us need to commute (to work, school, road trips, etc.), a reason you want to keep it in the best condition possible. What better way to look after your car than with regular maintenance and servicing? Doing so will go a long way in reducing the likelihood of a breakdown, saves you time and money, and even better, preserves its overall look.
Although most new cars are virtually trouble-free, proper maintenance is still vital to ensure it runs smoothly for longer. Some tender loving and care are essential for keeping the vehicle in shape. The part of this is that looking after your car is straightforward and simple, hence hardly any need to take it to the dealership. Outlined below are some of the simple ways to keep your car in good shape for longer. For any car fanatics reading this, I recommend you see Tune 4 performance.
Keep it Clean
Who likes driving around in a dirty and soiled car anyway? All it takes to clean your car is a bucket of soapy water and a sponge. Cleaning the car yourself, also provides an excellent opportunity to acquaint yourself with the different parts, making it easier to spot damage on the go. Unknown to many, you are required (by law) to keep your windows, door mirrors, lights, and number plates clean at all times. Dirty mirrors and doors aren’t effective, while dirty plates are harder to read as well.
A clean interior is as important as the exterior. That said, take your time to clean every part of the interior you can access, especially those prone to attracting dirt. Dirt and grime tend to build up around knobs, buttons, pedals, handbrake, the gear lever, seats, and the glove box as well. Dirt and litter tapped under the brake pedal can put you in a sticky situation especially while driving, a reason you should check first before setting off.
Paint and fabric protection is an aspect you might want to consider to protect both the interior upholstery and paintwork. A number of dealerships offer this as an additional service and a great way to keep your car looking clean and fresh for longer.
Check The Fluids
Fluids help the car run smoothly and improved its durability. Depending on the type of car, it is advisable to check all fluids from brake fluids, to power steering fluids, to oil, among others. Consider topping up if the fluids are too low, or flush with fresh ones if it is time to do so. Checking fluids is something you can do yourself.
Traditional cars have a dipstick in the engine bay that allows you to check oil levels manually. Modern cars however do not, but have sensors that help keep tabs with the same automatically. The car’s infotainment system will flash a light or message whenever there’s a need to have your oil changed or topped up.
For cars with a dipstick, always ensure the engine is cold before checking the oil level. To do this, open the engine bay and pull the dipstick out. Wipe it clean with a clean cloth, then reinsert it. Pull it out once more, and check the oil level from the bottom. There should be two markings showing the minimum and maximum levels. Top up if the oil level is below the minimum mark. Use the right type of engine oil for your car. Consult the owner’s manual before topping up or using a different oil.
Coolants, power steering, and brake fluids have reservoirs within the engine bay for easy monitoring and top-ups. These will also have markings to help you determine the levels accordingly. All you need is to unscrew the cap to top it up.
Take Care of The Windscreen
The windscreen not only gives you a clean view while driving, but also protects you from wind, bugs, dust, and other debris in the air. It thus should be kept clean at all times. While you can wash the windscreen manually, yourself, most cars will have a system for that. The wiper blades need to be kept clean and in good condition for proper functioning. You also need to keep the windscreen washer fluid topped up as well. Broken or jagged-edged wiper blades should be replaced immediately to avoid damaging the windscreen.