CARE FOR YOUR CAR: If you had a car while living at home, your parents probably managed its maintenance or reminded you when it needed servicing. Now that you’re on your own, it’s your responsibility to maintain your car. Although regular upkeep can be costly and time-consuming, it will save you money in the long run.
Avoid being like the one-third of college students who forget to change their oil more than twice a year. Your car won’t maintain itself, so make it a habit to perform regular maintenance instead of relying on your parents for reminders about tire rotations or oil changes.
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Here are some basic steps to follow to keep your car in excellent condition:
Keep Your Car Running Smoothly: Tasks for Every Other Fill-Up
Instead of reading ads for credit cards while you pump gas, use that time to give your car a quick check-up and cleaning. Here are three simple tasks you can do:
- Clean the windshield: A dirty windshield is a safety hazard because it can block your view of the road. Use the gas station squeegee to clean it. Soak the windshield with the cleaning fluid, then use the squeegee to wipe from the middle to the sides and from top to bottom. This is especially important after a long drive when your windshield is covered in bugs. Using your car’s wipers and washing fluid can make a bigger mess.
- Check tire pressure: Proper tire pressure keeps you safe and saves money. Tires that are too full or too flat don’t handle well and can blow out. Correctly inflated tires last longer and improve fuel efficiency. Tire pressure changes as you drive and with temperature changes, so check it regularly. Some experts suggest checking at every gas fill-up, but every other fill-up is usually enough. To check tire pressure:
- Check when tires are cold, before driving, or after resting for four hours.
- Find the recommended tire pressure for your car (not the max pressure on the tire).
- Use a tire pressure gauge.
- Add air if needed.
- Check oil level: Motor oil keeps your engine parts moving smoothly and prevents overheating. Low oil can cause serious engine damage. Check your oil regularly, ideally at every other gas fill-up. To check oil:
- Wait five minutes after turning off the engine so the oil can settle.
- Use a clean paper towel and adequate light.
- Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it, and check the level.
- Add oil if needed.
If your car uses a lot of oil, get it checked for leaks. Regularly performing these simple tasks will keep your car running smoothly and safely.
Don’t Skip the Scheduled Maintenance in Your Owner’s Manual
Your vehicle also needs some maintenance tasks that aren’t done as often but are crucial for its long life. These tasks include oil changes, tire rotations, and replacing transmission fluid.
Don’t just follow the dealer’s or mechanic’s recommended schedule. They often suggest coming in more frequently and doing maintenance that might not be necessary. For instance, many quick lube and dealership service shops say you should change your oil every 3,000 miles, even though most modern engines can go 5,000 miles before needing an oil change. Another example is coolant replacement. Some mechanics suggest replacing it every 30,000 miles, but many vehicles don’t need this until 120,000 miles. After that, manufacturers often recommend replacing the coolant every 60,000 miles.
By understanding what your car really needs, you can save time and money while keeping your vehicle in great shape.
DIY Car Maintenance
Modern vehicles are complex, with onboard computers and high-tech features often requiring a mechanic’s expertise. However, there are still a few maintenance tasks you can do yourself. These tasks may not save you much time or money, but they offer a sense of satisfaction and help you understand your car better.
Change Oil Every 5,000 Miles
Changing your car’s oil is essential for keeping it running smoothly. If you can’t do it yourself because you live in an apartment or dorm, make sure to take it to a mechanic regularly. Keeping up with oil changes is one of the most important ways to maintain your car.
Change Air Filter Every 12,000 Miles
This is one of the easiest maintenance jobs you can do. Regularly changing your car’s air filter improves fuel efficiency, prolongs engine life, and reduces emissions. Unlike oil changes, there’s no hassle with disposing of used parts, and doing it yourself can save you money.
Rotate Tires Every 5,000 to 10,000 Miles
Front and rear tires wear differently. Rotating your tires regularly ensures even wear, giving you a smoother and safer ride. It also extends the life of your tires, saving you money on replacements.
Keep Your Car Clean
Wash your car regularly to protect it from sun, salt, grease, grime, acid rain, smog, tree sap, bugs, and bird droppings. These elements can damage your car’s paint and metal over time, reducing its resale value. The frequency of washing depends on where you live. In polluted or coastal areas, wash your car two to three times a month. In cleaner inland areas, once a month may suffice. During winter, wash more often to remove snow, salt, and mud.
Don’t Use the Inside of Your Car as a Garbage Can
Keep your car’s interior clean and tidy. Regularly removing trash reduces stress and makes driving more enjoyable. A clean car ensures you’re always ready for unexpected passengers without having to apologize for the mess.
By doing these simple tasks, you can keep your car in good condition and enjoy a better driving experience.
Conclusion
Taking care of your car is key to keeping it in good shape, safe, and working well. While regular maintenance might seem expensive and time-consuming, it actually saves you money and prevents bigger problems later on. By doing easy tasks like cleaning the windshield, checking tire pressure, and keeping an eye on oil levels every other time you fill up, you can help your car run smoothly.
Also, following the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual and doing some DIY tasks, such as changing the oil and air filter or rotating the tires, can boost your car’s performance and lifespan. Keep your car clean inside and out to keep it looking good and maintain its value, making every drive more enjoyable and stress-free.
Contact Us
For more information or assistance with your car maintenance needs, please contact us:
Phone: +91 9513909306
Email: sales@cartovehiclecare.com
Address: 6/937, Vikas Nagar Rd, beside RLB School, Sector 6, Vikas Nagar, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226022
Website: www.cartovehiclecare.com
Faqs About HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR CAR
How often should I check my tire pressure?
You should check your tire pressure every other fill-up or at least once a month to ensure they are properly inflated for safety and fuel efficiency.
When should I change my car’s oil?
Most modern engines require an oil change every 5,000 miles. Always refer to your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendation.
How do I clean my windshield effectively?
Use the gas station squeegee to soak the windshield with cleaning fluid, then wipe from the middle to the sides and from top to bottom.
What is the benefit of rotating tires?
Rotating your tires every 5,000 to 10,000 miles ensures even wear, providing a smoother ride and extending the lifespan of your tires.
Can I perform these maintenance tasks myself?
Yes, many of these tasks, such as checking tire pressure, changing the air filter, and rotating tires, can be done yourself, saving money and helping you understand your car better.
