What defines an ethical and responsible car owner is how they take care of their car. Since it’s probably one of your biggest financial investments, it only makes sense to take good care of it. Remember, the durability of your vehicle depends on how you use them.
No matter how you plan to use your car– for a daily commute, family trips, or for business, it is essential to know and always observe proper car maintenance tips. As mentioned, the lifespan of your vehicle depends on how you use it and how you take care of it. Take note that the maintenance routine is not optional, but mandatory! Otherwise, you’ll get more problems in the future. You should also be vigilant with some of the common mistakes.
This has become a problem, especially for those who are not car enthusiasts or first-time car owners. They only realize its importance when they start experiencing car troubles. As they say, forget about buying a new car if you don’t know how to take care of it. Additionally, proper car maintenance is for your safety.
Taking care of your vehicle is the best way to prevent future breakdowns. It will also help you save time, effort, and money in the long run. Take note that you don’t need to know about all the technical aspects of your car. Simple things like knowing the basics is a big advantage. Do your research. Consult your friends who are car owners or enthusiasts.
To give you more enlightenment, here are some of the simplest, but efficient ways to ensure your car is safe and maintain its performance.
Tip #1: Have Your Own Garage
Having your own garage is one of the most important things you need to consider before buying a new car. Believe it or not, providing a safe place for your vehicle can increase its lifespan for up to ten years! As much as possible, your parking space should provide a nice shelter for the vehicle. There should be a roof and properly ventilated. Protecting your car against extreme weather can not only prevent exterior damages but also helps maintain your vehicle’s engine and other mechanical parts.
Tip #2: Change Oil When You Hit 5000 to 7500 Miles
All car engines have moving parts inside that are prone to friction that may cause an engine to overheat. An overheated engine could cause a lot of problems that could’ve been easily avoided in the first place if proper precautions were taken place. This is why it’s important to change the engine’s oil frequently, ideally when your vehicle has hit 5000 to 7500 miles.
Oil lubricates the moving parts in an engine and absorbs heat, making it less prone to damage caused by overheating. However, responsible car owners are tasked to change the oil frequently because engine oil becomes less effective over time.
Although some cars may have recommended mileage. Make sure to consult your car dealer or refer to the manual to ensure you’re not missing out on scheduled oil change.
Tip #3: Park In The Shade
This tip may be a no-brainer for most car owners, but some usually overlook this one. Too much sun can cause a variety of problems for your car, such as cracking the dashboard, melting any plastics left inside the car, and causing your car’s paint job to fade over time. Not all parking spaces have shady areas, so investing in a car shade can help protect the car’s interior from the harmful UV rays.
When looking for a parking spot, keep an eye out of spaces with trees nearby that can offer a little bit of shelter for your car away from the sunlight. Doing this not only protects your car from sun damage but also protects your butt from getting burnt by hot leather later on.
Tip #4: Equip Yourself
As a responsible car owner, you should invest in the basic to advanced car tools like car lift alignment rack. Having these car safety tools is essential during emergencies. Do some research and be familiar with their functions.
Knowing and applying these basic car routine tips is a big advantage for first-time car owners. For more expert advice, consult a professional mechanic.