Owning a car, whether used or new, is an achievement that you should be proud of. It is a personal investment that takes a lot of hard work, commitment, and consistency. In fact, most people drive cars that were purchased on credit or hire purchase terms. In that regard, don’t you think it would be best if you ensured optimum personal care for your four-wheeled investment?
For instance, you should consider changing the Radiator fluid after every 24,000-36,000 miles or every 24 miles, assuming you drive up to 1000 miles per month. Maintenance practices will help keep your car in good shape and prevent and further breakdowns, which may attract unnecessary high costs to repair. A well-maintained car will fetch a good price (even if it is supposed to depreciate) when disposing off.
So, what are the basic car maintenance tips that you should adhere to? Well, they include but aren’t limited to the following:
- Wash at least once a week
Indeed, washing your car once a week does the sparkling and shining magic, but its purpose is beyond that, especially if you clean the interior too. You would want to get rid of spilled abrasive dirt particles and liquids that might corrode the interior and make your car look old while it isn’t. Your mats will likely wear and tear quickly if you let the dust particles accumulate to undesirable amounts. Once in a while, you should also do under-engine cleaning, especially if you come from coastal regions. That will help get rid of accumulating slat deposits on metallic parts, which accelerate the rusting process.
- Change oil and oil filter
We recommend that you replace your oil together with the oil filters every 3000 miles or after three months, whichever comes before. Oil is the main engine’s component as it ensures optimum lubrication to keep the engine parts against grinding on each other. However, you must only use oil products that meet the manufacturer’s viscosity and grading properties in the manual guide. That includes both petroleum and synthetic-based oils.
- Rotate the tires
First-time car owners often forget that the tires are also part of the car, and should be checked and maintained just like the engine or other parts. Before doing a total replacement, you should make good use of the tires. Consider rotating them every six months, or when you take your car for general service. Most cars go for general service after every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. You don’t want to experience permanent pattern wear that will consume too much gasoline when speeding or give you a noisy ride.
- Air filter
Lastly, you might also want to consider the air filter as it helps you decrease emissions, improve engine life, and improve your car’s general fuel consumption. The brittle material should protect your car from debris that comes through the air, and if you let it wear and tear over a long time, that function will be compromised. Experts recommend that you change the air filter after every 30,000 miles or three years, whichever comes earlier.