Modern vehicles are no longer seen as a piece of luxury that only a handful of individuals can own. These days, almost every family has a vehicle that they use for getting to their destination quickly. Furthermore, your vehicle is a long-term investment that you make and you definitely want to enjoy it for a long time. Therefore, it is important to understand that maintaining your car is of the utmost importance if you want to increase its life and make it appear as good as new. So, what should be done? Here are some of the best tips that can come in handy and can enable you to maintain your car:
Inspect the air filter
The air filter is one of the most basic yet the most essential component of your vehicle. In itself, the filter might not be that big of a deal, but it plays a very important role in keeping your car running smoothly. When the car runs, it is constantly pulling in air from the atmosphere and mixing it with fuel for burning. However, the air in the atmosphere is not 100% clean so it is the job of the filter to remove the debris and dirt so it doesn’t get added to the mixture. The air filter works constantly as the engine runs so it may get dirty with time. You need to inspect it and get it cleaned or changed.
Check the car battery
Another one of the vital tips for maintenance is to check the battery of your vehicle. All the lights and electrical systems are powered by the battery and it also powers the starter motor for cranking the engine when you turn the key. If your battery is not working properly, there is a good chance that you will end up being stranded somewhere because the car will not crank. To prevent this from happening, it is better to check the battery and change it after every 2 to 3 years.
Inspect the engine oil and change it timely
The engine of every vehicle depends on oil for its lubrication, which means that the life of the gears and internal engines are relying on the oil. Therefore, a timely oil change is crucial to keep your car up and running. If the vehicle is low on oil, it will eventually break down and will require great repair at a very high cost. In some cases, the engine may have to be rebuilt. You need to check the condition of the oil in the engine. If it is black, it is time to go for a change. The oil manufacturer also mentions the time after which the oil requires a change.
Get the spark plugs checked
Spark plugs are often overlooked, but they shouldn’t be ignored. Depending on the model and make of the vehicle, it may have four or more spark plugs. They ignite the air-fuel mixture in the engine due to which deposits of carbons develop on their tips with time. This carbon starts interfering with the timing of the ignition and the quality of the spark that can have a direct impact on the drive. Your spark plugs need to be checked after 50,000 to 80,000 miles
Pay attention to the tires
This factor can have a direct impact on the quality and comfort level of your drive. The right tire pressure ensures proper control of the vehicle because they are able to grip the road properly and evenly. If the pressure is too low or too high, it will put excessive pressure on the suspension and the struts. Check the pressure of the tires regularly to prevent this.
Inspect the brake system
One of the most critical factors that help you in keeping your vehicle in control are the brakes. The car’s braking system empowers you to slow the car down or to bring it to a complete stop. Thus, it needs to be in top condition because it is a matter of safety. Never make any compromises where brakes are concerned just because you want to save some money. You should get them checked monthly or after every three months.
