Keeping your vehicle in good condition is necessary to maintain its value and avoid significant problems on the road. Unfortunately, we ignore many daily maintenance aspects regarding the engine, battery, tyres, etc. When we keep doing this, we not only decrease the life of our vehicle but also put ourselves and others in danger on the road. However, if you pay attention to a few simple points, for example, getting a car battery replacement or opting for a car air conditioning service, you will save yourself a lot of trouble in the future. Not to mention, you’ll save considerably on repairs.
Below you will find out five practical ways that will help you keep your vehicle in top condition:
1. Check Oil Regularly
This is one of the most important things to look out for to keep the engine running efficiently and reliably. You should check your car’s engine oil once a week. Follow the simple steps given below to check the oil:
- Open the car’s bonnet and locate the oil dipstick
- Remove the dipstick and clean the oil off it using a tissue or a cloth
- Put the dipstick back in all the way
- Wait for a few seconds and then remove the dipstick again
- Check the oil level; it should be between the two indicators on the stick
If you find the oil below the minimum required level, it’s time to add more. Also, note the color of the oil; if it’s too dark, change it. Generally, vehicles need an oil change every 5000 kilometers, but the exact number varies for every car.
So, how would you know that your car needs an oil change? Pay attention to the following:
- The oil change light on your car’s dashboard will notify you
- The sounds your engine makes might increase
- In extreme cases, you may hear knocking noises from the engine
2. Periodically Check Tyre Pressure
Maintaining optimum tyre pressure is essential to your vehicle’s health. When tyres run with lower than optimal pressure, they wear out faster and decrease your fuel efficiency. On the other hand, excess pressure poses the risk of tyre bursting, which can be extremely dangerous, especially at high speeds.
Make sure to inspect your tyre pressure at least once a month. It would help if you had a working and trusted tyre pressure gauge to check the pressure at home. Your car’s tyres must keep the precise pressure level specified by your vehicle’s manufacturer.
3. Keep the Battery in Good Condition
To keep the battery in good condition, get it checked regularly. Choose a car battery replacement, if needed. Mostly, car batteries come with a hydrometer that indicates the state of the battery through various colors.
For example, the green color tells you that the battery is charged and working correctly. The Yellow color indicates you need to charge the battery, while the red means you need to replace it. Check your vehicle’s manual to see which colors and indicators the battery uses.
Usually, car batteries last up to four-five years, but they may die out sooner due to extreme use and the harsh environment. For car battery replacement, follow this guide.
4. Maintain the Air Conditioning System
Ensuring your car’s air conditioning system runs efficiently is crucial for a comfortable journey, especially if you frequently drive in hot weather. If you notice your AC isn’t cooling correctly, it is time for a car air conditioning service. Make sure you get in touch with an expert for a car air conditioning service.
Here are a few tips for maintaining the air conditioning system:
- Get AC checked whenever you get your car serviced
- Run AC for a few minutes once a week even in the winter
- Get a full car air conditioning service once every year
5. Keep Your Car’s Interior Clean
Part of retaining the value of your vehicle is keeping the interior clean. Here’s what you can do to help keep the interior spotless:
- Regularly vacuum the inside of your car
- Clean floor mats and hard surfaces
- Keep upholstery clean and stain-free
