Five Car Maintenance Tips To Keep In Mind

June 28, 2022

In an effort to keep recurring expenses of owning a car in check, a lot of drivers take it upon themselves to maintain their car because they understand that a well-maintained car means a vehicle that is not as prone to wear and tear, mechanical or electric breakdown. While there will be some repairs that will require a mechanic, here are five car tips that you can handle quickly, easily, with minimal expenses. 1. Have your oil changed regularly It’s all too easy to fall into thinking that this is a trick for auto shops to make more money off of you. Truth be told, it really isn’t. A lot of mechanics actually recommend to change oil at your car’s next date at your manufacturer’s service shop or even every 6 months (whichever comes first). However, some manufacturers even put the oil change at 5,000, 7,000, or even 10,000 mile intervals. Some mechanics even peg it as early as 3,000 miles. There may be a lot of debate as to when you should be changing your oil but what’s not debatable is that is should be part of your regular car maintenance. Engine oil can degrade and collect moisture if the car sits for too long. If it does, the moisture inside the engine can be detrimental to your car’s performance. 2. Check the tire pressure (of your spare) While most tires will hold air indefinitely, some tires will leak air gradually before finally creating problems in the middle of your road trip. Checking tire pressure is mostly, or rather should be, a given to every driver but really, who checks the spare tire? The spare tire is probably the most overlooked at most garages and/or maintenance routines but it’s the one that can hurt you the most when you desperately need it, unless you want to be driving an almost flat tire when you’ve already just busted a tire. When you’re headed out on a road trip, this tip is an absolute MUST. If you’re interested in some other road trip tips, we have what you might be looking for right here. 3. Keep your car clean inside and out Your car is a magnet for dirt. From dead bugs and bird droppings to hot tar, road debris, and ultraviolet rays, your car takes a lot of beating without you even knowing it. Over time, the elements will take its toll on your car. UV rays, for example, can degrade both your car’s internal mechanisms, speeding up the rate of wear and tear. Keep the sun off your dashboard and keep the interior temperature down with a sunshade. Don’t forget to wash your car regularly and have it waxed at least once a year for exterior protection. As for the inside of your car, a clean car never hurt its resale value. You can also check this out for more tips on how to keep your car interior clean. 4. Keep your car batteries charged Even when the ignition is off, your car still drains a little from the battery for the clock, radio presents, and computer memory. Every time you leave your car, don’t forget to unplug cell phone chargers, GPS devices, dash cams, or anything else that’s connected to a power port. And your headlights — DO NOT forget to turn off your headlights unless you want your car to break down in the middle of rhe road. 5. Listen to your car No one knows your car better than you do. While it may be a cliche, there may be some truth to it. You know how it sounds, feels, drives, and even how it smells like. Are you hearing squealing or grinding noises? Your brakes may need some looking into. Is your car shaking on smooth roads? Have that checked. Look and listen. Don’t ignore flashing lights or sounds that aren’t the same throughout the trip. If something feels or sounds off with your car, 9 times out of 10, something is really wrong. Remember, one of the biggest steps to maintain your own car is knowing when to NOT do it on your own. Don’t try a car maintenance routine that’s too advanced for your own experience level unless you want to risk injury or taking apart pieces that you can’t put back together. *** The author of this article contributed in their own personal capacity. The views expressed are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of COCOGEN Insurance.

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