Be proactive in taking care of your car and in learning about your car. Doing so will enable you to extend the life of your car as well as to avoid getting ripped off at a shoddy repair shop. Too many people ignore their car’s health, they take it for granted, and it ends up costing them a lot down the road. Don’t be that person. Here are five tips for taking care of your car.
1. Read Your Owner’s Manual
Follow the suggested maintenance schedule suggested in the manual. No one knows your car better than the manufacturer does. Don’t just let it collect dust, learn about your car and figure out how frequently you need to be doing basic maintenance such as oil changes, coolant replacement, and getting your tires rotated.
2. Keep Track of Your Oil Level
Without enough oil your engine is at risk of dying. Keeping tabs on your oil level can let you know if you have some sort of oil leak. If your engine needs frequent additions of oil, such as a quart every 500 miles, you should get your car checked immediately. Motor oil is vital for your car’s performance. It lubricates all the moving parts, moves heat away from the combustion cycle, and it removes and holds waste. Check your oil at every other gas fill up. It’s easy and quick.
3. Check Under the Hood
Consult your owner’s manual and check on your fluids, belts, hoses, and your battery. Look for fraying and wear on your belts, for any holes or corrosion on the hoses, check your fluid levels, and make sure your battery isn’t leaking any energy.
4. Wash Your Car Regularly
Not washing your car will result in your car’s paint being eaten away at and then eventually the metal corroding. Wash your car 2-3 times a month, depending on where you live. Also vacuum and clean the inside too. A de-cluttered car without bugs, trash, or smell is much more enjoyable and relaxing to drive, especially if you have passengers.
5. Make a Friend Who Knows A Lot About Cars
Find someone who enjoys working on cars, works on their own cars and bikes, and can explain in-depth about the functioning of cars. Befriend this person, hang out with them, and offer value to them in some way, but without any expectation of reciprocation. From this place of authentic friendship you can ask them if they can check out your car or offer to pay them to do some work on your car. I’m sure they’d be more than willing to do it cheaply or possibly even for free. Many quality car parts can be bought for cheap online, and in conjunction with a friend who knows about cars, you can save a lot of money by avoiding dealerships and repair shops.