Taking preventive measures will help your car become healthier and easier to manage. Whether you are buying your child’s first car or a new car for your commuting needs, maintaining your car doesn’t need to be difficult. Staying on top of things when you’ve bought a new car will keep it in its best condition.
Here are the top preventive maintenance measures and car care tips for new owners seeking a long life span for their new automotive purchase.
Regular oil changes
Every car, new or old, needs regular oil changes. The oil can easily get clogged due to environmental elements – dust and debris – and prevent your car from working as it should.
Seeking regular oil change & tune-up services will help your car remain in good condition. You won’t need to worry about your engine becoming damaged due to dirty or contaminated oil. A professional service will be sure to keep your car on top of its condition to help it stay in its best shape.
Cleaning the air filter
All new car owners need to check the air filter in their cars. If the air filter becomes blocked, it can cause the car to overheat and increase the risk of contaminants entering the engine.
Regularly cleaning the air filter will improve the airflow and keep the engine cool and clean. You will also notice a difference in your fuel efficiency. If you are causing your car to overwork, the fuel and battery will deplete. With a smooth airflow, you will be able to maintain fuel and avoid damaging your battery.
Check the tire pressure often
It might seem silly to check your tire pressure when it looks and feels perfectly ok, but tires can be less inflated than they need to be without you realizing it.
All cars require different pressures to maintain health and performance. You can check your car’s logbook for the information. Checking the tire pressure every four to six weeks will help you keep on top of them and give them a boost when they need it.
Monitor the spark plug
The spark plug is an internal car component that people often forget about when performing car maintenance. This small yet important component is susceptible to build-up. When it becomes blocked with dirt, it can hinder your car’s performance.
Monitoring the plug and keeping it clean will help your car run smoothly and safely. You never want any component becoming clogged, as it causes the car to overheat and increases the risk of danger.
Changing the wiper blades
You will be stunned at how few people change their wiper blades. If they are working ok, you might not think to check and change them. However, deteriorated wiper blades could cause two issues.
First, you might notice small scratches on your windscreen. This can come from small hard rubbers on the wipers that are scratching the glass’s surface. Second, they might not work to their maximum potential when you need them (heavy rainy days). This can put you at risk as you won’t have strong enough window wipers to clear the window and help your vision.
Inspect your brakes
The braking system in your car is vital to safety, and routine maintenance is required. When braking, pay attention to any strange noises, such as squeaking or grinding, as these could be signs of worn brake rotors or pads.
Get a professional brake inspection done at least once a year or more frequently if you see any problems. If brake pads and other parts are replaced before they totally wear out, more involved and expensive repairs may be avoided. Maintaining your car’s brakes properly lowers the chance of an accident by ensuring that it stops efficiently.
Fluid checks and changes
A number of fluids, including power steering, brake, gearbox, and coolant, are necessary for your car to run smoothly. Check the amounts of these fluids frequently and add more as necessary.
It’s crucial to listen to the manufacturer’s recommended fluid change schedule. For example, gearbox fluid replacements may be required every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, whereas coolant should be changed every 30,000 miles. Overheating and mechanical breakdowns can be avoided by maintaining the proper amounts and quality of fluids.
Maintaining the battery
Preventive car maintenance is important, and so is maintaining the car’s battery. Examine the corrosion on your battery terminals and clean them if needed. Make sure the connections are snug and the battery is installed firmly.
Also, check the charge of your battery frequently, particularly before lengthy journeys or in inclement weather. Car batteries typically last three to five years.
