Keeping your engine tuned up and car longer requires keeping it well maintained. There are many things on a car requiring regular maintenance and repair. Many of these things you can do yourself, without previous skill or specialized knowledge, or a large tool collection.
7 Simple Tips to Keep Your Car Running Longer
For the basics, here are several things you can do to keep your car in good running condition.
1. Change the engine oil regularly.
The most important thing is the oil change and oil filter, it should be done regularly every 3 months or 5,000 – 10,000 km depending upon your driving habits and type of vehicle. This will keep your engine running smoothly.
2. Keep an Eye on Your Tires.
The proper tire pressure is usually written on the tire walls, or found online. You should check the air pressure every month, and also look for signs of wear and tear. It’s also important to have your tires rotated and balanced to ensure that each tire gets worn equally.
3. Check Your Battery.
A battery, like other parts of your vehicle, is subject to wear and tear and should be checked regularly (Once or twice every 3 months with a new battery. Every two weeks, if the battery is older than 1 years). Some batteries need to be filled with pure water, so make sure you have the proper amount of water stored inside.
4. Check your Brake Fluid and Power-Steering Fluid.
All the fluids are vital for your car and over time they evaporate, leak and lose their qualities, so change as needed and top up when the level is low. Checking the fluids regularly helps safeguard against breakdown, mechanical damage, and even possible accidents. Refer to your owner’s manual to find out how to check and add more fluid.
5. Change Your Coolant Every 30,000 Miles.
Regularly changing the coolant in your vehicle is a preventative measure which will help keep your vehicle performing well, running cool in the summer, and safely in the winter. It’s recommended that you change your engine coolant every 30,000 miles. But if your car tends to overheat or lose coolant, you should obviously change sooner than that. Check your coolant regularly to prevent overheating.
6. Check Your Lights.
Check all the lights on your car, especially your brake lights, headlights, fog lights, tail lights, and signal lights. You should avoid driving if any of your lights are not working. It’s dangerous.
7. Keep it Clean.
The best way to avoid buying that shiny new car is to clean yours. Take a good care of your car's body. Wash your car regularly as the corrosion starts in the dirty areas, where the moisture accumulates. Wax your car once in a while - this will keep the paint finish looking shiny longer. The wax also protects the body panels from corrosion. Keep the interior of your car clean and dry. Clean the leaves and other debris that has accumulated under the windshield on the cowl panel. Clean the windshield wipers regularly, when you wash your car, make sure to wash under the wipers.
Source: www.samarins.com, wyotech.wordpress.com
Photo source: MeguiarsUSA@youtube.com