The endless possibilities and sense of freedom that come with driving a car are undeniably unmatched. I can imagine the number of times you have romanticized the whole experience. You know, turning up the volume on the radio, your rooftop down, the wind in your hair, and driving off just like in the movies. Well, I can get it! But truth be told, with all those great adventures you plan to undertake, car ownership comes with great financial responsibility that can be salvaged by taking care of it. Do you love your car? Wondering how to better care for your vehicle? We share some tips and tricks below.
Be a gentle driver
Did you know that your mode of driving reflects the condition of your car? If you are one to make fast takeoffs, hold quick brakes, sharp, quick turns, and hard shifts, then you might want to forget about the longevity of your car. What’s more, every time you drive roughly, you increase wear and tear and fuel costs. Learn to be a gentle driver, work on your acceleration, and break habits. Driving smartly and safely saves you money and helps your car last longer.
Get the right insurance cover
Getting insurance cover is a good way of exercising car responsibility. It is the least expensive and easiest way to drive legally. As you know, there are myriad unforeseen things such as accidents, theft, natural disasters, and the likes that could happen to your car.
Purchasing car insurance is like owning a safety net that keeps you safe in case of such eventualities and when you cause damage to others. Find a credible car insurance provider, go through the different covers and find one that works for you best. It will save you a lot should anything happen to your car! But you should also keep in mind that having an insurance policy isn’t going to be the only thing that can help you during emergency situations. What if you get into an accident and the insurance company refuses to pay for your loss? That can easily land you into financial troubles. In such cases, seeking legal help from car accident attorneys can help you. The professionals will use their negotiating skills and make sure you receive the highest possible compensation for your losses. You can click here and learn how such professionals can guide you through the entire process.
Inspect your car tires regularly
Tires are an integral part of your car; keeping them well maintained will go a long way in enhancing its efficiency. They should be professionally inspected and Okayed to be used on the roads. If you didn’t know, incorrect tire pressure results in instability, less gas mileage, and a flat tire. All these problems resulting from running worn out, overinflated, or under-inflated tires affect your performance, fuel economy, and safety.
Extra Tips:
- Rotate your tires often to make sure they wear evenly.
- Replace your tires if they have traveled 10km
Invest In a quality mat
If you don’t want to spend money at the car wash daily, you might consider investing in a good car mat. If your car is more of a family car, getting a mat cannot be stressed enough. With a good mat on, it becomes easy to clean spills, food particles, mud, and any other dirt that might fall on your car.
Ensure the cooling system is working well
Did you know that your car’s radiator builds up with normal wear and tear, which can disrupt the cooling system? One common cause for a cooling system breakdown is leaks. That is why it is essential to have your vehicle inspected if you suspect a leak or notice fluid under your packed car. Keep in mind that the car works efficiently only if the cooling system and the car radiator are clean. Use a radiator flush to keep your cooling system in shape. Check your manual to see how long it takes to flush the radiator.
Ensure you service your car regularly.
Cars need to be serviced. As a responsible car owner, car servicing and maintenance is something that you do regularly. Think of it this way, the reason we work Monday to Friday and rest on weekends is to allow our bodies to recharge so that we can get back on Monday energized and strong. A fully serviced vehicle is worth more money. Regular servicing means your car is safer to drive, more reliable, and efficient. Servicing also extends the life of your car.
Tip: If you drive your car every day, it can benefit from interim servicing every six months
Inspect your car lights
A responsible car owner cares about the safety of others on the road. As you know, your safety and those of others on the road are dependent on the car lights. You need to ensure that both your front and backlights are working.
Check your battery
Your car battery should never be a case of “out of sigh’ out of mind “like many other parts of your car; the battery needs care and attention for it to function correctly. For instance, it is recommended that your car battery be replaced after four years, and a load test be conducted every month by a mechanic to keep it in check. Below are some other tips on battery care;
- Clean the battery
- Keep your cables tied
- Don’t leave your car for too long
- Don’t overcharge
- Be on the lookout for acid stratification by checking your acid levels
Change your oil
As you know, your car needs oil to lubricate the engine. Check your oil as regularly as possible. Ensure you have fresh oil so that dirt will not build up and kill your engine. It is advisable to change your oil at a shop versus at home.
Inspect your air filter
Another car maintenance tip that you need to implement is checking your air filter. If you dint know, clogged air filters are not only bad for your car but your lungs as well. Luckily, checking your air filter is easy. Simply remove the air filter element and hold it up to strong light. If there is no light, it means it is time to replace it
Final remarks
Have you been practicing any of the tips discussed above? As noted earlier, car ownership gives you unmatched comfort and freedom. To continue enjoying the benefits that come with it, you must put in work to ensure they remain on the roads and out of the mechanic shop. The tips discussed above should help extend the life of your car and prevent serious repairs and damages.
