There are many ways to take care of your car, but car manufacturers tend to determine the best ways. Other vehicles like trucks and taxis can also have specific car care tips. It’s not a one size fits all situation, so before buying a car, make sure to ask your car dealer about car care and maintenance. Second-hand cars may also need more maintenance, so consider this before buying one.
Keep your car in good shape with these general car care tips.
Expert Ways To Take Care Of Your Car
The ways to take care of your car vary across seasons. In the winter months, multinational motor company Hyundai recommends the following:
1. Skip Filling Your Tank If You See A Tanker onsite.
When gasoline tankers refill underground tanks, it causes turbulence which can stir up sediment below. The sediment can mix with the fuel and damage your fuel injectors and filters.
One way to solve this problem is to look for another petrol station or wait a day until the sediment is broken down.
2. Follow Dealer Advice For The Break-In Period
Generally, car manufacturers recommend a driving speed below 88 kpm for the first 1,000 miles. Use medium to light acceleration in the first few hours of driving. Engine RPMs must be under 3000. Make sure to verify these with your car dealer.
Also, avoid loading your car with heavy equipment and ensure your vehicle isn’t idle for long periods.
3. Take Care of Your Engine
The way you care for your engine can impact the lifespan of your car. Accelerate your engine slowly to avoid racing the car engine upon start-up. Don’t let the engine sit idle on the driveway so that it operates at its peak temperature.
Another tip is shifting to neutral during a red light to place less strain on your engine.
4. Drive Carefully.
Avoid accelerating quickly or driving at high speeds. This extends the life of your car. It also helps to avoid running over curbs or hitting a tire when parking. Turning your steering wheel at just the right angle helps keep your power-steering pump in good condition.
Get other safe car care tips here.
5. Fuel Up at Credible Petrol Stations
Choose petrol stations that regularly change pump filters. This will prevent your car from getting dirty petrol that could damage the vehicle in the long run.
6. Wash Your Car Inside and Out
Keep your car clean the right way with these accurate car care tips:
- Use appropriate car washing equipment and liquids to keep your car shiny and clean.
- Clean the air filters and floor mats regularly.
- Disinfect car seats and surfaces that are touched frequently.
- Never use harsh chemicals to clean your car.
- Consult your car dealer for specific cleaning tips.
- Wax to protect your car’s painting finish.
7. Park Your Car In The Shade
This will help prevent damage to your car’s interior. If there is no available shade, you can use a car shade.
8. Fix Broken Parts Immediately
This is one of the best ways to take care of your car. Leaving small leaks and cracks can enlarge the damage over time, resulting in expensive repairs.
9. Get Insured
Choosing the right insurance for your car saves you costs in the future. NSW drivers are required to have CTP greenslip insurance. Get a free quote online and comply with other requirements.
10. Change Oil Filters and Transmission Fluid Filters
Change transmission fluid filters after 8,000 km of driving. You can replace oil filters with every other engine oil change.
11. Check The Car Battery Regularly.
Cleaning your car battery with a mild detergent can keep dirt from draining it faster. Don’t forget to clean the battery terminals too. Check the battery case for damages and replace this as necessary.
12. Seal Radiator Leaks
The best way to take care of your car radiator includes sealing it with a radiator sealant. The sealant is available in powder or liquid form.
13. Use A Diluted Coolant
Use both water and antifreeze coolants for car cooling systems. Dilute this in a 50-50 ratio. This method will protect your car from corrosion.
14. Rotate Your Tyres
Rotating tires helps extend the tyres’ road life. Rotate your tyres every 9,000 to 12,000 km. You may ask your tire dealer for the exact recommendations.
15. Inspect Wheel Alignment
After 30,000 miles of driving, you need to align your wheels properly. If you’re buying a new car, have it checked right away. A stiffer steering wheel is the cause of a misaligned wheel.
16. Check Engine Oil
You can do this by driving the car for 15 minutes to warm the oil then park on an even surface. Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a paper towel. Insert the clean dipstick and check the oil level.
17. Place Your Hubcaps Correctly
Hubcaps can loosen over time. You can remove this slowly and slightly detach the metal clips outward. Plastic hubcaps can be snapped in place using a retaining wire ring.
18. Check Your Anti-lock Brakes
You must purge your anti-lock brakes every three years or as directed in your car manual.
19. Use Only Washer Fluid For Your Windshield Reservoir
Avoid adding water to your windshield reservoir since it can freeze in winter and can damage the system.
Contact your car dealer for expert advice on your car. Don’t forget to read the owner’s manual that comes with every new car purchase. Read the rest of our blogs for more reliable car care tips.
