Back in the old days, it was almost a miracle to see a car with 100,000 mileage that is still on the road. Nowadays, it’s not unusual for cars to get past 300,000 miles – sometimes even up to 500,000 miles. It’s obvious, isn’t it? It all comes down to the maintenance. You’ve bought your dream car and now you want to make it last as long as possible in top condition. Properly maintaining your car is key to keeping it in top condition and it is a very important step that every car owner must follow to increase the life of their car and make it look brand new like it just came from the dealer. It can also help ensure your safety, the safety of your passengers and your fellow drivers.
You’ve probably seen a car that is older than Dracula but surprisingly, it doesn’t look like it. In fact, a well-maintained old car can outlive a newer car that’s been neglected without proper care. Quite often, it’s the little things like regularly checking your tire pressure, brakes, fluid level, battery and lights that make the big difference in the long run. Did you know that some road accidents are indirectly caused by poor car maintenance? For instance, you can forget to service your brake system and when you need to slow down, it malfunctions causing an accident. Another scenario would be a worn out tire that was supposed to be changed that bursts when you’re driving at high speed – you get the picture?
Maintaining your car can improve your safety and potentially save your life. Gaffar GPS Solutions cares about our #GPSFamily and loyal followers, so we have compiled the following ways to help keep your car running smoothly!
Let’s dive right in!
- INSPECT AND MAINTAIN TIRES
Knowing how to maintain your car’s tire pressure can help reduce wear on the tires and helps ensure you’re getting good gas mileage. Checking your tire pressure includes finding the recommended pressure, checking the PSI and inflating or deflating your tires accordingly. A flat tire is a hazard that can be dangerous to you and your car. There are several preventative steps you can take to help avoid a blowout, including rotating your tires every 5,000 to 10,000 miles and watching for tire recalls.
- CHECK YOUR BATTERY
Knowing the condition of your car battery matters when you want to maximize its life. Test your battery’s output voltage level with a car battery tester to keep track of how well you’re maintaining it and if you’re due for a new one.
- CHANGE THE OIL
Routinely checking and changing your car’s oil is essential to keeping its engine in running condition. Check your oil each month and change it as directed in the car’s owner’s manual. You can change your oil yourself or take it to a service center. If you choose to do it yourself, learn the necessary steps to drain the fluid, set the correct oil level and dispose of old oil. You should also know which type of motor oil is best for your car, regardless of whether you change the oil yourself or take it to a service center. This generally means considering three things — the oil viscosity, whether to use synthetic versus non-synthetic oil and your car’s mileage.
- CHECK THE FLUIDS
There are several fluids that should be kept at the appropriate levels to help keep your car running properly. You or your mechanic should check: Engine oil, Coolant, Power steering fluid, Brake fluid and Transmission fluid. A leak with any of these fluids can affect the way your car drives. If you spot a leak, you may be able to identify the fluid by its color. This can help you and your mechanic determine where the leak is coming from. It can also help speed up the repair process.
- TEST THE LIGHTS
A broken or burnt-out bulb is a safety hazard and might get you a ticket. Learn how to thoroughly inspect each bulb on your car. If a bulb is out, take your car to an expert to determine whether it’s the bulb or the fuse that needs replacing. Headlights are key safety lights on your car. Consider taking a few extra steps to help keep them shining bright, such as cleaning the lenses and replacing bulbs as they start to dim.
- REPLACE WINDSHIELD WIPERS
If your wipers aren’t working like they used to, don’t let the problem linger. Damaged or worn out blades can reduce visibility during a heavy rain or a snowstorm. Knowing how to inspect your wiper blades regularly and replace them when necessary is one way to help keep your car safe.
- CHANGE YOUR ENGINE AIR FILTER
A dirty engine air filter can allow dirt and other particulates into your car’s engine and reduce its efficiency. Inspect your car’s air filter once a year and replace it as needed.
- REGULAR CHECKUPS
Some routine car care tasks can be done at home, but others require trained technicians. Take your car to a technician if the check engine light comes on. Trained technicians can diagnose the problem through the car’s on-board diagnostics (OBD-II) port. A qualified repair shop will also be able to inspect and replace other core components like the alternator and the wheel bearings. Scheduling regular tune-ups will help ensure that your car gets other maintenance items repaired as well.
- HAVE YOUR BRAKES CHECKED
Your car’s brake pads also require regular inspection. While driving, listen for any brake noise and pay attention to shuddering or vibrating from the brake pedal. If any concerns arise, consult a service center as soon as possible.
- CHECK BELTS AND HOSES
Keeping your car’s belts and hoses in good shape can help keep your car running and may help you avoid a breakdown on the road. For example, if your serpentine belt breaks while you’re driving, it may cause many of your car’s systems to fail. Having your belts and hoses checked at every oil change will help ensure that they’re in good condition and don’t need replacing.
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