Many people are used to using home appliances, computers, TVs, and cell phones that do not need any maintenance or regular check-ups, and sometimes people think cars do not require any attention.
However, modern cars are not like electronics but are mechanical devices that are made of thousands of parts which move upward and downwards. Also, a vehicle rolls on inflatable rubber tires, and they need regular attention to keep them working well. It would be best to take care of your car for many reasons, from increasing the life span to good shape.
Below are some tips that will help you in maintaining your car.
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Regular Oiling
Just like how blood keeps humans breathing, oil is the lifeblood of your car’s engine. Oil functions by lubricating all your car parts, so it should never run low. You should check your engine oil regularly and ensure it is at the right levels.
When checking the oil can, wipe the oil that might have dripped from the engine since oil sometimes smokes when hot. You should not struggle too much to ensure your machine has enough oil. Instead, you should be providing your engine has clean oil. Always change the oil filters as recommended in the owner’s manual.
Ensure your windshield washer fluid is functional.
Running out of washer fluid is not an excellent experience, especially during winter, when salt plays havoc with visibility and messes up the windshield. You should regularly check the windshield washer reservoir depending on the weather and season.
Cars have translucent washer tanks made of plastic to make it easy when you’re checking the water levels. When refilling, do not use pure water. During winter and other cold seasons, the low temperatures might make the water in the can to freeze, causing your wiper useless.
Check Tire Pressure
New car models have a light which alerts when tire pressure is low on air. However, your car might not be giving alerts, and if you have such a vehicle, you should regularly check the tire pressure. You can use a gauge, and it will help you check whether your tire pressures are set correctly.
When using the gauge, if the sticker is in the driver’s door, it shows the tires are cold, and you have not driven all day, while a raised sticker shows you have been operating for a while, and the pressures have risen.
Renew your car insurance policy
Accidents are sudden and sometimes might require a lot of financial aid. Car insurance coverage will cover all the costs caused by the damage and help you in car maintenance. You can opt for a better car insurance premium from your providers if you are not content with the one you have.
Always renew your car insurance policy in time to avoid inconveniences. Also, inquire about the system used to repair your car in case of an emergency. There are different insurance covers, and they work differently. It would also be better if you sourced your insurance cover from a reputable company.
Check the radiator
The radiator has coolants that ensure your engine temperature is under control. You can check your radiator visually by finding the coolant reservoir that holds a green fluid. If the engine is cold, the coolant levels should be between the ‘max’ and ‘min’ lines. If you check and realize the levels are low, buy some antifreeze and top it off.
Remember that you should never refill the cooling system through the radiator cap, and instead, you should use the reservoir. If you notice that your coolant levels keep on disappearing, your car has a problem, and you should take it to a repair shop or dealer.
Check through brake fluid.
When pushing the brake fluid, you typically pump brake fluid through the system, and it gets to the brakes. Most cars have a translucent brake fluid reservoir making it easy for you to see when full.
Also, most brake systems nowadays are made in a way they never leak and are well sealed. However, you should regularly check the brake fluid levels to determine whether your brake system has high integrity. Check the fluid levels weekly and if the group keeps on dropping every week, take your car to a repair facility.
Change your tires
Tires are among the essential parts of a car since they connect the road with your vehicle. It would be best if you did not use your car tires until they become bald since they become hard to control on the road. The treads should be visible across your car tires.
If you are in doubt, you can use a penny to confirm whether the tread depth is adequate. If you insert the penny and see its head, the grooves are too shallow, and you should not drive in wet weather with such tires. Replace your tires before your next drive.