Caring for your car is straightforward, but many of us fail to do the upkeep our cars need until things get out of control. Aside from the cracker crumbs smeared into the backseats and the accumulation of pigeon poop on your windshield, there is internal work that needs to be maintained and kept up with on your vehicle no matter how often you actually use your car. Here are six ways to care for your car this year so you can avoid costly problems in the future!
- Get Your Car Cleaned Each Month
Your car, like your home, requires upkeep. If you are not doing maintenance work to keep your seats clean, are not vacuuming the floors when they’re dirty, and aren’t using an air freshener, your car can quickly become a disaster. If you have kids or eat in your car… double the trouble!
Take care of your car and treat it well. Get your car cleaned each month on the inside and the outside. If you’re interested in getting a ceramic coating for your car, this could be another way to keep the outside clean.
- Check The Tire Pressure
If you are not consistently checking your tire pressure, you can risk getting a flat tire and experiencing breaking issues. You should also make a point to rotate the tires so that they are wearing evenly. If you don’t know how to rotate your car’s tires, contact a Mazda auto body shop to get your car handled and ask for instructions on how to measure your tire pressure and the signs that you need your tires rotated or replaced.
If you neglect to do tire maintenance, you’ll pay anywhere from $300-$700 in replacements. All you need to check your tire pressure is a tire pressure gauge of $50 or less.
- Get Oil Changes As Needed
Getting your oil changed after hitting 5,000 miles or so is vital. Be sure to use a trusted brand of synthetic oil. If you can, get your oil changed professionally every once in a while so mechanics can change your car’s oil and clean out the filter. If you neglect to get your oil changed, your engine suffers, and you’ll pay way too much for repairs.
Lack of oil can cause your engine to break down completely, meaning you would need to replace the engine itself. This kind of work can be thousands of dollars, depending on the car. Oftentimes, after an engine blows up, car owners end up replacing the car because the cost of a new engine is more than the value of the car itself. So when you’re feeling lazy about maintaining your engine oil consider the costs, would you rather pay maybe $100 a year for oil and oil changes or over $4,000 for a new engine?
Regularly changing your oil is a simple yet crucial step to avoid expensive engine troubles. However, if you find yourself in a situation where you need a used engine, be sure to research reputable suppliers and ensure the item is in good condition before making a purchase. It can be a cost-effective alternative to buying a new car, but proper evaluation is crucial to avoid future headaches.
- Check Your Mirrors Consistently
Keep your mirrors clean, so you can always see what’s happening on the road. In doing so, you can avoid road trouble and the unpleasant look of dirty mirrors. Avoid an increased risk of accidents and the damage it will cost you by checking your mirrors and keeping your windows clean and your mirrors clean.
- Address Headlight Issues
You can get pulled over and ticketed for a headlight that’s out on your vehicle. If a headlight bulb is out, get it replaced. You can most likely do it yourself with by watching tutorial videos. You’ll avoid unsafe driving and improve the aesthetic of your car’s exterior by ensuring that all your headlight bulbs are working.
- Store Unused Cars Properly
If you don’t plan to drive your car for a significant amount of time, you must take measures to care for it properly. Keep your car covered, and start it every once in a while to refresh the battery.
If you don’t take these steps, you might end up with a dead battery, a compromised engine, and a car covered in dust. Treat your car well to avoid these issues, and check up on it occasionally. Be sure to check the hood as well. Sometimes critters can get in there when your car has been in storage for a while.
The Bottom Line
Caring for your car is the same as caring for anything else. You need to care for it consistently. Your car may as well be your second home, so treat it with respect for the best outcomes. Consider the suggestions in this article to get started on better car maintenance this year.
