How To Keep Your Car in Tip-Top Shape

How To Keep Your Car in Tip-Top Shape

TGR Saff

Your car is not any less different from your body because both should be well taken care of. It’s a no-brainer that if you take good care of your car, you’ll increase its lifespan. After all, this is the only way you can get the most out of your vehicle.

Taking good care of your car is all about preventive car maintenance. And the thing with preventive car maintenance is that it has plenty of virtues that few people would disagree with. Needless to say, preventive car maintenance is a stark reminder that cars don’t magically take care of themselves.

As far as car maintenance goes, the old saying rings true ‘an ounce of prevention beats a pound of cure.” Keeping your car in tip-top shape involves a routine maintenance exercise that pays off in the long term. In any case, routine maintenance doesn’t cost a substantial amount of money.

What’s more, if your car is in good condition, you’ll hardly incur expensive bills down the road. To avoid this unlikely scenario, always keep in mind that car maintenance is your responsibility.

Admittedly, there are car owners who change their oil less than two times a year. And yes, you read that right! And the most unfortunate thing is that no one will be there to remind them to get their oil changed or their tires rotated.

Considering how the economy is performing, you do not want to put yourself in the awkward situation of having to dig into savings to foot your car repair bills.

Keeping your most prized asset in top condition will not only minimize repair costs, but can also help ensure your safety and that of your passengers. You’ll agree that this is more or less like killing two birds with one stone.  

To cut to the chase, there’s a list of essential tips that you should be aware of. With these tips, you’ll give your car a fair shot of reaching its golden years.

Oil Change   

Your car isn’t going to go far or quietly if you hardly check its oil. This is because your car runs oil, and without good quality oil, it will come to a grinding halt. Always make it a habit to check the oil of your car frequently.

You’re staring at a mechanical disaster if your vehicle is running on bad engine oil. But if you regularly change your car’s oil, you’re likely reaping the fruits of engine efficiency and reliability.

When you make it a habit to check the car’s oil frequently, you might even notice an impending problem, such as a slow leak.    

Keeps Tabs On Your Battery 

The battery is your car’s source of power. If your car’s battery is not in tip-top condition, the engine management system might end up paying the price.

And if your car is hardly on the road, the battery will likely hold less charge than usual. In this case, you should keep the battery charged using a trickle charger.

The key to a flat battery is not jump-starting your car because this puts additional strain on delicate electronics and the engine management system.

 The best way to keep your battery charged at all times is to drive your car at least once or twice a week – particularly in winter.        

Check Tire Pressure 

Part of keeping your car in good shape is maintaining proper tire pressure. Not only will you save a little dough, but this will also keep you safe. When your car’s tire is over-inflated or under-inflated, this might increase the chance of a blowout.

You’ll give your tire a longer life if you maintain its pressure. That’s not all; you’ll also increase your fuel efficiency. As such, you can’t afford to take your eyes off the tire pressure.

Furthermore, your car’s tire pressure will constantly change as the temperature fluctuates and as they continue to log miles. That’s why you should add or reduce air when needed.

If you check the tire pressure regularly, you stand a better chance of catching any deficiencies.

Consult the Owner’s Manual   

The glove compartment is probably the most essential equipment in your car. Because it’s in the glove compartment where you’ll find your owner’s manual, and it’s the owner’s manual that will furnish you with the make- and model-specific information of the vehicle you drive.

With the owner’s manual, you can quickly tell what kind of fuel is suitable for your vehicle. The owner’s manual will also inform you of what you should not do to void your car’s warranty.

The key to maintaining your vehicle could be within the pages of your owner’s manual. Therefore, you should get acquainted with it.  

Your Driving Habits Count

If you want to increase the longevity of your mustang coilovers, you need to embrace sound driving habits. And you don’t need any mechanical knowledge.

When approaching speed bumps, common sense dictates that you should slow down. If need be, avoid excessive speed. At higher speeds, many components of your car will sustain more wear and tear.

And sustained wear and tear is a catalyst for premature mechanical aging.

Keep Your Windshield Clean 

When driving your car, the last thing you want is anything that is obscuring your view of the road. And a dirty windshield is one such thing.

It will hardly cost you anything to give your windshield a regular cleaning. You can even take advantage of the gas station squeegee.  

Having a clean windshield is especially important if you’re looking at an extended drive on the highway. With a visible windshield, you’ll have a clear line of sight.

If the windshield is not quite dirty, your car’s washing fluids and wipers will help.  

Maintenance is not a preserve for new vehicles, but old ones as well. Regardless of age or miles clocked, every car should be well taken care of. While maintenance helps to increase the longevity of your vehicle, it also boosts its value.

At the end of it all, a better understanding of your car will save you the agony of having to dig deep into your pocket.   

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