Cars cost a fair amount of money. When you spend that kind of money, you want to be sure that it’s well maintained and well taken care of. Not to mention that if you look after your car it’ll save you a lot of money in the long run when it comes to getting it serviced. You can take care of your car maintenance for just a little bit of time a week.
Check Things in Your Engine Bay Regularly
The engine of a car can be complicated and scary. A big repair bill can be worse.
There are some really simple things that you can check to keep your car running. They aren’t rocket science so you’ll be alright to handle these on your own.
Check your engine oil:
Pull the dipstick out when the car is cold and wipe it off, stick it back in and then pull it out and check the level of motor oil. If it’s low you can top it up, if it’s really black then you probably need an oil change. It’s that simple, your engine oil keeps your engine’s moving parts lubricated and ensures everything is running smoothly.
Check your other essential fluids:
This means, check your brake fluid and your transmission fluid. Your brake fluid will be in a small reservoir near the firewall. Make sure that there’s plenty of fluid and you won’t have to worry about stopping in a hurry. Your transmission fluid is essential for your gearbox. Make sure to pull the dipstick and make sure it has plenty of the fluid that it needs.
Other Good Ideas:
It’s always good to check your coolant, it makes sure that the car’s cooling system is working properly. Top it up when required and keep an eye out for big drops in volume.
Make sure your air filter is nice and clean. The air that your engine breathes should be as clean as possible. That’s why you have an air filter and that’s why you have to take care of it.
If you have a spark plug socket, checking your spark plugs is always a good idea. These are what the engine needs to ignite the fuel and air.
But always remember, refer to your owner’s manual for all recommended fluids and parts.
External Checks are More Important than you Think
Washing your car regularly is a fantastic way to keep an eye on things and take care of it. You can check the windscreen, wiper blades, headlights, and much more, all by simply cleaning it.
Not to mention that it will help preserve the car’s value and ensure that your resale value remains strong.
Another thing that is really important to check are your tyres. You want to check tread depth and tire pressure regularly. Your tyres are what anchors the car to the road – they need to be in tip-top condition. You can also make sure that they are rotated as needed and get the maximum safe lifespan out of them. Most tyre stores will offer rotation for a good price considering how much benefit it offers.
Take Care of What You Use Your Car For
Don’t throw your car through a gravel rally stage, don’t tow the QE2 if it isn’t rated for it, don’t turn the interior into a storage locker, don’t use the boot like a bin, don’t fly over speed bumps like Evil Knievel.
Those sound like pretty simple “don’t” ideas but you would be surprised by what some people do with their car.
If you need some more serious car maintenance then the best idea is to book your car in for its check-up with MyAutoShop. We can help you take good care of your cars’ every need.