- The average sticker price of a new car has increased steadily, making it essential to take care of your car.
- Protecting your car from the elements at home is easy by simply parking it in an enclosed garage.
- Regularly checking oil and fluid levels, keeping tires inflated, and getting regular tune-ups are important for preventing damage.
- Staying up-to-date on any maintenance your car may need helps ensure the reliability and safety of your car.
Data from Edmunds.com shows that in 2009, the average sticker price of a new car was around $30,000 and steadily rose to almost $46,000 by 2019 before the pandemic disrupted vehicle parts supply and production.
The increasing prices make taking care of your car essential to ensure a safe and smooth ride. Getting your car serviced regularly is just the tip of the iceberg. You can do several things for your car to run smoothly and avoid costly repairs down the road.
This blog post will give you some great tips on taking care of your car that you can do yourself.
Protect the Car from the Elements at Home
It is common for car owners to consider protecting their precious vehicles when they are out on the road. However, protecting your car from the elements while parked at home is equally important. Harsh elements such as sunlight, rain, snow, and hail can cause significant damage to your car’s exterior, resulting in costly repairs.
UV Rays
UV rays from the sun can cause the paint to fade, making your car appear dull and lifeless. It can also weaken the interior upholstery, causing it to crack and fade over time. Rainwater, however, can cause rust on your car’s body and, if left unchecked, can lead to corrosion, which can eat away at the metal structure.
Garage
Protecting your car from the elements while it’s parked at home is not an expensive affair. Simply park the car inside an enclosed garage. You should also ensure the proper maintenance of the garage to avoid issues. For instance, if the garage door is not functioning properly, you should consider replacing it. To facilitate the replacement, you should look for a reputable company with a wide range of durable residential garage doors in its inventory.
Regularly Check Your Oil and Fluids
One of the most important things you can do for your car is to regularly check the oil level and other fluids, such as coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid levels.
Prevent Damage
These fluids are essential in keeping your car running smoothly and preventing damage to its components. Ensure these levels are regularly topped up and changed according to the manufacturer’s specified maintenance schedule.
Checking Oil Levels
For optimal performance, you should take the time to check your car’s oil level at each other gas fill-up. Keep a rag or paper towel handy and follow your owner’s manual instructions if needed. If you haven’t been driving lately, it might be necessary to change the oil. YOu should bear in mind that after approximately six months of not being used, it will need changing regardless.
Keep Your Tires Inflated
The tires on your car take a lot of abuse and can wear out quickly if not properly inflated. Inflating your tires to the right pressure increases fuel efficiency and reduces the chances of a blowout or flat tire.
Check Tire Pressure
Make sure you check the tire pressure every month and fill it to the recommended level. It is also important to check your tire tread depth, as this will help you determine when it is time to replace your tires. If the tread depth is less than 2/32nd of an inch, it’s time for new tires. Taking a few minutes each month to care for your tires can save you a lot of trouble later on.
Get Regular Tune-Ups
Regular tune-ups can help identify minor problems early on, avoiding bigger, more expensive repairs. During a tune-up, the mechanics will change the oil and other fluids and check the spark plugs and wires, the timing belt, and the battery to ensure your car is running in top condition.
Updated Maintenance
It’s crucial to stay up-to-date on any maintenance your car may need, so be sure to check the owner’s manual or talk to a mechanic for more information. Doing this will help ensure you have a reliable and safe car that’ll get you where you need to go without worry. Regular tune-ups also help improve the resale value of your car when you’re ready to upgrade. So remember to get that tune-up!
Taking care of your car is the key to ensuring a safe and happy driving experience. With these tips, you can prolong the life of your vehicle and avoid costly repairs. Try to make it a habit to look after your car regularly, whether checking fluids or getting tune-ups. By doing so, you are looking after your vehicle and your wallet.
