How To Extend The Life And Look Of Your Car

There is nothing like the feel (and smell) of a brand new car. To keep your pride and joy looking like new for longer is going to require some work, though. Here are some tips that will help you ensure the interior, exterior and mechanical components of your vehicle stay in tip-top shape.

It All Starts With The Interior

Car interior cleaning is an integral part of car maintenance. It will improve your car’s safety, while also allowing you and your passengers to enjoy a more pleasurable driving experience. Furthermore, it will also lower maintenance costs for your car, allowing it to last longer.  

Fluid Levels Should Be Checked Regularly 

The most effective way to keep your car in proper running shape is to keep your engine’s essential fluids topped off in between routine inspections. It is an inexpensive and simple way to maintain your vehicle’s resale value while preventing reduced mileage and power. In addition, this will lower future repair costs, as well as decrease the risk of breakdowns.

The most critical fluid to check is your engine oil. It is also imperative to check the level of your coolant, since most coolant tanks are translucent, and they have minimum and maximum markings on the sides. The brakes won’t work without brake fluid, and the power steering system also needs lubricant in order to function properly. 

Transmission fluid lubricates moving parts, serves as an oil and hydraulic fluid for gear shifting, prevents transmissions from overheating and cools transmissions. Fluids are not as crucial to the health of your car as windshield fluid. However, it is still extremely useful in keeping your windscreen looking like new for a longer period of time. 

See a Petrol Tanker at Your Service Station? Come Back Later

Come back another day or go to a different station if you see a petrol tanker filling the tanks at your local gas station. Turbulence can cause sediment to stir up as the station’s underground tanks fill. 

While service stations filter the fuel before it reaches your tank, plus your vehicle has its own filters, prolonged exposure to unnecessary sediment can lead to big problems. Fuel filters and fuel injectors can be clogged by sediment in your gas, which can lead to poor performance and possibly require repairs. 

Make Sure Your Tyres Have Adequate Tread Depth

The majority of people don’t pay attention to their tyres until they blow. In order to comply with the law, your tread depth must be at least 1.5mm, so check the tread wear indicator bars located around your tyre.

Your car will be easier to drive and will use less petrol if you have properly inflated tyres. Check the tyre information plate, typically located either in your glove compartment, on the door sill, under the cap of your fuel filler, or on your hood, to find out what the recommended pressure is for your vehicle.

Keeping Your Car’s Exterior Pristine

Waxing and washing your vehicle is essential for maintaining its exterior. While this may seem like common sense, it gets overlooked all too often. Ignore those drive-through washing services, though, as the heavy brushes can cause chipping and scratching to your paint. Don’t forget to wax your car after you’ve washed it. The wax has more benefits than just making your car appear shiny. This varnish also prevents dirt, stains, and scratches from damaging the surface.

Garages or undercover parking should be used every day if they are available. By doing so, you will protect your car from the elements. Besides protecting your car from animals and bird droppings, it also shields it from falling tree limbs and other hazards. If you can’t park undercover, just don’t park under trees. 

Never Miss a Service

Regularly altering, adjusting or checking your car’s essential fluids, lubricants, and electronic and mechanical systems is necessary for ensuring your vehicle’s safety and reliability.

To keep you and your car safe on the road, things will also need to be refilled or replaced over time. A car should be serviced approximately every 15,000km or every 12 months in general. Each car has different requirements, however, so check with your car manual or manufacturer to set your service schedule.