Keeping your car in optimal condition will help you to enjoy it for longer.
When you first buy a car, long-term planning might not be at the forefront of your mind – after all, you just want to crack on and start driving it! However, it’s easy to take smooth running for granted when you encounter your first mechanical faults.
You play a part in keeping your car running as it should. With simple but regular maintenance, you can expand the lifespan of your vehicle and address any issues before they become a problem. Here’s how.
Why is regular vehicle maintenance important?
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Frequent maintenance is key to ensuring optimal vehicle performance, safety, and longevity. If you are a proud owner of Honda, read some tips here.
Even though the most essential checks might be quick and simple, neglecting them puts your car at risk of unnecessary wear and tear, mechanical faults, or even breakdowns on the road. Furthermore, driving your car despite known faults could worsen your fuel efficiency and lead to more costly repairs too.
How could car maintenance help me save money?
Maintenance helps you to save money in more ways than one: along with improving the performance and fuel economy of your car, minor issues can be addressed and resolved before they snowball into major problems.
If you’re hoping to change your car soon, it’s important to shop carefully. Instead of trusting an unknown seller or website, “buying used cars from a reputable dealer means that basic maintenance checks are already taken care of”– so you can buy and drive straight away, without worry.
3 foolproof DIY maintenance tips for drivers
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1. Coolant and antifreeze
Coolant regulates the temperature of your engine. Antifreeze can be added to the same tank to protect the coolant against subzero temperatures. Both are necessary to ensure a healthy and operational radiator and consequently a healthy engine too.
2. Tyre pressure and tread depth
Keeping your tyres safe and legal is simple. You’ll only need a track pump or use of air pumps at your local petrol station to check and top up the pressure – the recommended pressure should be noted on the inside of the driver-side door.
In the UK, the minimum tread depth is 1.6mm – this can be measured either with a ruler or the trusty 20p method.
3. Exterior lights checks and changes
Every so often, it’s a good idea to walk around your car and check that all the lights are operating as usual. If not, source the correct bulb type and fit it on a dry day when the engine is turned off. Ask a friend to help you fit and test the bulb if you’re unsure.
Which are the most essential mechanical checks for a car?
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For any driver, there are a few maintenance checks that can’t be forgotten about. While you should always follow the specific recommendations of your vehicle manufacturer, the most essential checks should be ensured for most vehicles.These include:
1. Tyre rotations
Tyres wear according to the weight of your vehicle and several factors associated with your driving style. Around once every six months,you should swap or rotate your tyres to ensure even wear – especially if you regularly cover long distances or drive at high speeds.
2. Oil and filter changes
Oil changes are essential for any healthy engine. Experts recommend changing the oil and filters around every 3,000 miles, especially for older vehicles. However, many drivers only receive this service after 5,000 miles or more. Ask your mechanic for more advice.
3. Battery maintenance
Car batteries are consumable too, and they should be replaced around once every four years. If that time has passed, you could consult an expert to run diagnostics before changing your battery – always try to make the most of its healthy life.
4. Brakes Inspection
It is essential to regularly inspect the brakes of your car. To understand whether the brakes of your car are in good condition or not, you should pay attention to brake noise and check whether any vibration or shuddering is coming out from the brake pedal. Visit a mechanic immediately once you find any of these warning signs.
5. Belts and Hoses Verification
If you want your car to keep running and avert a breakdown on the road, you must ensure that the hoses and belts of your car are in good shape. If the serpentine belt of your car breaks during driving, it can be dangerous and result in serious impairment to your engine. Therefore, you should check the belts and hoses of your car at every oil change in order to evade expensive repairs and allow your car to run smoothly.
Some Important Tips for Regular Maintenance of Your Vehicle
Source: autobics.com
- After purchasing a car, the first thing that you need to do is read the manual and know the recommendations by the manufacturer regarding maintenance tasks and intervals.
- Build a schedule for regular maintenance tasks, such as oil changes, fluid checks, air filter replacements, and tyre rotations.
- Follow all the above-mentioned instructions, including tyre rotations, oil and filter checks, battery maintenance, brakes inspection, belts and hoses verifications, tyre pressure maintenance, exterior lights checks and changes.
- You have to wash and wax the exterior of your car regularly to prevent corrosion and safeguard paint. To have a comfortable and pleasant driving experience, you should also clean the interior of your car, including seats, dashboards, and carpets.
- Lastly, pay attention to the warning signs, including unusual vibrations, noises, etc. Once you find any warning signs, visit a professional mechanic for the inspection of your car.
Conclusion
Regular maintenance is essential, so you should try to find a trustworthy mechanic. The brand dealer for your car might not always offer the best value, so try to seek a local tradesperson to build a working relationship. You’ll still need to rely on a mechanic for complex repairs – check their reviews, certifications, and any recommendations.
But if you are carrying out servicing work on your own, don’t forget to stay safe. Always make sure you’re aware of safety advice for working under vehicles before you start.
