Taking care of your car goes beyond just the aesthetics. That is because if you want to keep it in good shape, you should also consider regular maintenance and a few good habits. If your engine stalls, everything follows, including your mood. Perhaps it’s time that you review your driving habits.
Practical car care procedure
● Regular oil change
If you want your car to run smoothly for a long period of time, the engine needs proper attention. A routine oil change every 5,000 km to 10,000 km is vital, depending on the requirements set for your vehicle. That said, it can keep your engine running smoothly, while preventing damage.
●Tyre pressure check
It should be your concern if your tyre goes flat every few days or so. This may be an issue with tyre pressure or a lingering puncture on your tyre. Before going to a professional for help, you can perform a regular tyre pressure check every month, especially if you are going for a long trip.
● Wash and wax
Washing your car every few weeks or so can help you avoid damage to the paint. Dirt and road salt can be a very tough job to clean that may also harm the outer layer of your vehicle. Waxing also gives it protection from the elements, keeping it look like new.
●Battery maintenance check
Note that when your battery dies, you will never get to start your car. So, you have to take care of your battery by cleaning the terminals from corrosion, ensuring the electrical connections are good. Testing it every 3 years or so will also ensure that it is still holding a charge properly.
● Brake checks
If your brake is producing squealing or grinding noises, it is time to check it because it can indicate worn brake pads. Sometimes, the brake fluid may just go beyond the lower level due to leaks. Thus, keep it at the right level and free from contamination.
Apart from the routine checks, you also have to pay attention to warning lights appearing on your dashboard. This can indicate that there is an issue on your vehicle that needs immediate attention.
Keeping it fuel efficient
With fuel prices rising, it is ideal to make your car more fuel efficient. One way of improving fuel efficiency is to avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking. This will reduce wear on your engine, as well as brakes and tyres. Moreover, if you are starting your car in cold weather, have it warmed up for a few minutes before driving.
You can also reduce your dependence to air conditioning if you tint your windows. In addition, it can prevent cracking and fading of the dashboard and seats because it can block the harmful UV rays from the sun. However, when tinting your vehicle, you have to identify the local laws regulating how dark window tints can be in your area. There might be some level of tint being allowed, particularly in the front windows and windscreen.
Consequently, there are alternative ways to keep your interior cool for a longer period instead of tinting your windows. For instance, you can opt for custom fit car window shades to keep it cool during hot days or remove it during cold weather or at night. There are a lot of products that can keep your car windows discreet. However, you also need to follow the legal and safety requirements when driving a vehicle. That is especially the case when it already becomes an obstruction to where you are heading instead of riding convenience.