Most car owners want their vehicles for years to come, but nothing lasts forever.
There are several common problems car owners face, from water leaks and broken windshield wipers to rattling noises and squeaking brakes.
When was the last time you cleaned your car or looked under the hood? There are plenty of things you can do to improve your auto care experience.
Whether it’s a simple checkup or something more complicated like replacing brake pads, having regular preventive car care can save you money in the long run.
You don’t need a huge budget to take good care of your vehicle. In fact, you can easily DIY car repair and maintenance jobs.
And with the help of these 6 basic car care tips, you’ll have no trouble maintaining your car at peak condition.
These helpful car care tips are perfect if you’re looking to extend the life of your vehicle or preserve its value so you can sell your car online.
1- Keep It Clean
Keeping your car clean is probably the most overlooked maintenance task among new and experienced drivers.
A dirty car can spell trouble for you before it finishes the first year of service.
The best way to keep your car clean is by washing it regularly.
You should wash it inside or out every couple of months; just remember to wipe down the exterior surfaces and vacuum the interiors thoroughly.
If you leave your car parked for long periods of time, consider purchasing a car cover to protect your vehicle from dirt, debris, and sun rays.
Keeping your car clean will increase its lifespan and value should you decide to get a car valuation in Dubai.
2- Change the Oil Regularly
Change your vehicle’s oil at least once every 3 months regardless of the mileage driven. This helps ensure that your car’s engine works smoothly and efficiently.
If you don’t want to replace your engine oil every three months, consult your mechanic for a manual transmission fluid change. Many mechanics recommend replacing the oil after 1k miles or less, but this value can change from vehicle to vehicle.
Changing the oil too early is never harmful, but it can get quite expensive. In addition to checking the oil levels, replacing the oil filter regularly is also essential.
Changing the oil filter with every oil change or once every 3 to 6 months is recommended. The old oil filter becomes full of dirt and debris that builds up while driving.
A worn-out oil filter can block the flow of oil down the motor shaft causing damage to the engine. Don’t forget to check the oil pressure gauge when changing the oil.
3- Check Radiator Tops & Hoses
If your vehicle overheats, chances are the radiator is leaking antifreeze. Over time, coolant will break down and rust away from the metal hoses connecting the radiator to the engine.
As this happens, it can leak into the cooling system and reduce its efficiency. A damaged cooling system can be dangerous and expensive to repair.
4- Clean Your Air Filter Every 12 Months
It would be best if you cleaned your car’s air filters at least once every 12 months.
Make sure to clean the filters thoroughly before drying and rinsing them to prevent dirt from being trapped inside the filter and causing problems.
5- Check Your Tire Pressure
We recommend checking your tire pressure every 2 to 4 weeks. While this may seem like a hassle, you always want to ensure that your tires are properly inflated. Since driving with underinflated tires can be unsafe and reduces tire life, you can also easily search online for a free air pump near me. This will not only save you money in the long run, but it can also save your life.
6- Inspect Your Brakes
Take the time to check your car brakes every 5 to 6 months.
Many things could cause your brake pads to wear down faster than expected, like driving in wet conditions or stopping frequently.
When inspecting your brakes, look for grinding noises from your vehicle or just take your car to a mechanic to be safe.
