Have you ever noticed some young people look a lot older and vice versa; some older people look as if they are decades younger than they actually are. Age is just a number but maintaining your body is a real concern. Likewise, it’s not the number of miles on your car that matters as much as how you maintain and care for it. Due to work, travel, or lifestyle, some people spend a lot more time in their cars than average. Therefore, it’s very important to treat your car well.
Regular Oil Change
Three-thousand miles or three months is not a choice but a benchmark for getting your oil changed. It’s not a suggestion but should be taken more as a command if you’re serious about caring for your car. Oil is the lifeblood of your car’s engine; keeping cruddy oil in your engine is like having bad blood running through your veins. If you’re not diligent about changing your oil, you’ll dramatically decrease the life of your engine.
Maintained Interior
Maintaining the exterior of the car is more important when it comes to the longevity of the car but keeping the interior looking good matters too, especially if you want to resell it. No one will want to buy a car with ripped seats, discolored or stained carpets, and a foul smell coming from between the cushions. Therefore, invest in Shear Comfort seat covers, change the floor mats every six to twelve months, and wash the interior regularly to keep the car looking and smelling clean.
Inflated Tires
Tires lose air due to long road trips, fluctuating weather conditions, and intense road conditions such as steep hills. It’s important to maintain the right amount of tire inflation. Doing so will save money in the long run. Moreover, the correct tire pressure ensures that you get the full mileage out of a tank of gas, also saving money. Find a gas station near you with an air dispenser. The hose will have a gauge attached so you can find the pressure in the tire. Your manufacturer’s suggested pressure will be on the side of your tire.
Manufacturer Manual
Each car differs regarding make, model, and driver. However, each car comes with a manufacturer’s manual that tells an owner about maintenance. For example, it’s common knowledge that most cars need an oil change every three-thousand miles but what about rotating the tires, replacing the coolant system, and replacing particular parts? The owner’s manual will provide you with direction and will ensure your car is kept in the best condition, as long as you follow the suggestions.
Frequent Car Wash
Some people are lazy about washing their car, figuring it’s more a matter of vain preference than a mechanical necessity. However, cars are subjected to smog, bird excrement, salt, grease, and other elements. Such things eat away at the paint which in turn can begin to wear away parts and the engine’s metal. Your location and the climate dictates how often you need to wash your vehicle. For example, if you live in an area with a lot of sea salt in the air, it’s suggested to wash your car two or three times per month. And in the winter, you may need to wash more often because your car will come into contact with road salt.
DIY Tendencies
It’s always suggested to align yourself with a great mechanic you can trust, yet if you’re on the road a lot, you don’t have the convenience of dealing with just one garage or mechanic. Therefore, it’s smart to learn a bit about the mechanical needs of your car as well as maintain good records related to parts and major investments. If you’re not savvy about your car, you open up the opportunity to get ‘ripped off,’ especially if a shady mechanic knows you’re just passing through town.
If you have any other tips about maintaining your vehicle, please leave us a comment and share them with us!
Photo Credits
Ford Mustang – GPS56 on flickr – Some Rights Reserved
Car Wash – Wikimedia Creative Commons
Guest Author Bio
Bethany Marsden
Bethany Marsden is often on the road for her job. People ask her how she handles all the driving but with a few changes in her routine, Beth has made it work for her. She shares her tips online to help others keep safe and sane behind the wheel.
Recent Guest Author Articles:
- Top Tips For Giving Your Kitchen A Mediterranean Vibe
- Tips for Smoothly Transitioning to a Higher-Cost City
- Gap Year Work Exchange Programs: Travel the World While Building Your Resume
- Unconventional Study-Abroad Destinations for the Adventurous Scholar
- From Campus to the Capsules: Experiencing the World’s Most Unique Hostel Stays as a Student
Please Share Your Thoughts - Leave A Comment!