Car Talk: Maintenance 101
If there was one thing we’d want to tell our 16 year old selves as we proudly got our licenses and drove our first second-hand cars into the ground, it’s that maintaining the condition of your car as you go can help you avoid more expensive issues down the line.
Although it can feel overwhelming to actively attempt to keep your car in tip-top condition with minimal maintenance knowledge, it is actually more straightforward than most people think. Read ahead for easy ways to keep your car in its best condition and save money each month and year on its maintenance bills.
Recharge the battery
The battery in your car will aid the power of your radio, CD player, infotainment system, an AC unit. If you run low on charge, then your car may not work to its optimal ability. It could cause your car to be slow and not run efficiently.
For instance, if your ac unit is not blowing enough cold air in your car, then you might want to see if it needs recharging. Simply maintaining the charge of your ac unit will ensure that it runs smoothly at all times.
Freshen up your interior with herbs
Ok we know, this tip sounds very strange but it works. Your car can smell strange due to moisture. If so, then adding herbs to your car as an air freshener will make it smell fresher and soak up the moisture - without any of that toxic car fragrance grossness.
If you experience moisture in your car, then it could cause dampness. In time, the dampness can result in rust and mold. Although it isn’t the biggest issue to face, it can make your car feel old and also result in huge bills should you need to upgrade the interior of your car.
Regular services
All car needs servicing. It is how you discover issues. When you discover issues early and get them fixed, you can avoid further damage. And in order to discover these issues, it is important to get regular services. It’s synergistic. The more frequent your services are, the sooner you can discover faults.
Drive within the limits
Although you might enjoy driving fast and revving your car, it is actually not good for the health of your car. To maintain the condition of your car, it helps to drive within its limits.If you drive sensibly, you won’t put any stress on its components. For instance, revving too high can cause a buildup in the exhaust. This can cause rust and may run down the oils quickly.
Top up the oils
Topping up the oil in your car is an easy job that you can do yourself. When a car runs low on oil, it can slow down the car and result in severe engine wear.
Your engine can be a complex and expensive part to replace. It could even cost more than the value of the car itself. Therefore, ensure to maintain good oil levels to avoid engine wear. They can dry up quicker in cold conditions, so do it more frequently during colder months.
