Picture this: you’ve spent a significant amount of money acquiring a new or ‘new to you’ vehicle. As the car sits in the driveway, you’re looking forward to burning rubber down the highway on a long-awaited road trip. You slide the car’s key into the ignition and turn it. Nothing. Not even a sound. The car fails to crank. What could have gone wrong? Where do you start, considering you have zero mechanical knowledge? You rope in a friend to help, but it turns out they are just as clueless as you.
Sounds familiar? You would be surprised how often this scenario plays out the world over. How did you get here? Is there something you could have done to keep your ride in tip-top shape and avert such disappointment and frustration? InTown Auto Care shares some basics of automotive care that could help you avoid such a fix.
Routine Care and Maintenance
Regular checks and maintenance are easy and do not require prior training or special tools or skills. You don’t have to wait until your vehicle breaks down in the middle of nowhere to understand the importance of auto maintenance. Here are some issues to attend to:
- Tire Care
Tires are the contact patch between the car and the road. As such, proper tire care could mean the difference between a comfortable ride and a bad day that you would rather not talk about.
Start by checking the pressure in each tire to ensure it is within the manufacturer’s recommended range. Your car’s user manual might come in handy here, but no worries in case you don’t have one. Check the inside of your driver’s door for a tire pressure sticker, which will serve as a guide.
Also, inspect the tires for any bulges, which could mean that a tire has lost its structure and would require replacement to avert the possibility of a blowout at highway speed.
Are your tires wearing out on one side? This could indicate worn suspension components, a bent wheel, or bad wheel alignment. Pop into an auto shop to have the issue checked in case a visual inspection shows uneven tire wear.
- Battery Upkeep
Ensure the cables attached to the positive and negative battery terminals are firmly secured. Loose cables mean one thing: a disruption of power flow through the car. This could lead to a no-start condition or even a failure of electrical components as you drive.
Get rid of dirt and debris that may corrode your battery. This does not require much elbow grease. A window cleaner, or a simple solution made of baking soda and water, plus a wire brush are all you need to keep your battery in good working order.
What’s more, a periodic battery load test by an auto technician is a surefire way to determine the health of your vehicle’s battery and the charging system. Consider having this done every few months. Also, if you don’t intend to use your vehicle for weeks at a time, consider running the engine at least once a week to prevent the battery from draining.
- Oil and Filter Changes
Oil does more than just lubricate moving engine parts to minimize wear. It also dissipates the heat generated by such components, preventing over-heating and potential damage.
Regular oil and filter change help get rid of sludge and dirt that accumulates as the engine runs. In so doing, it promotes the longevity of your ride. Oh, wait! Remember to check your vehicle’s oil level by pulling out the easy-to-reach dipstick to ensure it’s at the optimum level.
The same goes for replacing the vehicle’s air cleaner element at scheduled intervals, which helps the engine breathe better and impacts fuel economy. While at it, consider changing out the AC cabin filter, usually located under the dashboard on the passenger side in most cars.
- Regular Cleaning
Get in the habit of cleaning your car. Giving your vehicle a thorough wash helps ward off corrosion and maintains its luster by protecting the paintwork from dirt, grime, and debris.
What’s more, regular cleaning is quick, easy, and painless. It’s something you can do on a lazy afternoon or have done at a car wash for some pocket change.
Who doesn’t like the look of a car that is spic and span? If you want to maintain the value of your prized possession, spruce it up every few days.
These are a few basics of auto care to include in your vehicle’s to-do list. These may not cover all the bases, but they sure can avert potential disaster so you can enjoy your car over the long haul. Create time to look after your ride, or schedule a checkup with an auto shop to forestall unplanned or unexpected future repairs.