Choosing and buying a car is an exciting event, but it can also prove an expensive endeavor. Many of us will need to spend significant sums on purchasing a new vehicle, and it is crucial that we keep them well maintained to maximize this investment and protect our hard earned money. Repair bills, even when priced fairly, such as Portland auto body repair, can be expensive, and keeping your car in good condition helps to avoid this. Here are some of the top tips to help maintain your vehicle for longer.
Make Sure You Change Your Filters
One of the best ways to keep your car in good condition is regular maintenance of smaller jobs. This includes changing the oil and air filters regularly, usually as part of a scheduled service. Maintenance prolongs the life of your car, and keeps the parts clear and unclogged, helping you drive more smoothly.
Drive Carefully
Careful driving is one of the easiest ways to maintain your vehicle. Each time you drive, give the engine a chance to sufficiently warm up— this will help to reduce any wear and tear on the engine and parts, and has the bonus of increasing fuel efficiency. Make sure you drive as smoothly as possible carrying out tasks such as steering, manipulating pedals, and braking slowly.
Aggressive driving increases the risk of damage and puts the mechanical parts under more significant stress. This means they are more likely to need car battery replacement. It is important, however, to rev your engine now and then to eliminate any build-up of carbon deposits. Every few hundred miles let your engine have its head to help clear out the cobwebs.
Keep An Eye On Spark Plugs
Spark plugs are a basic engine component but are also one of the most common repairs which mechanics carry out. Regular inspection will help alert you to any problems early on, and replacing the spark plug at this point could help you avoid costly repairs later. Your plug should have a light brown electrode and insulator and should show no signs of build up, wear, melting, or deposit. Regular servicing should help to keep these in good condition and will save you an expensive repair bill down the line.
Keep Your Tires In Good Condition
It is no exaggeration to say that tires are among the most important feature on your vehicle, and keeping them in good condition is imperative to your safety. They should be properly fitted and regularly inflated according to the manufacturer’s suggestions, as well as checked periodically for any wear and tear and replaces as soon as they begin to show signs of balding. Depending on how you drive and brake, the type of terrain you cover, and your maintenance plan, some tires may show more signs of wear faster than others. Click here to know about wheel alignment cost.
Remember that your tires will not wear evenly. Some experts suggest rotating the tires regularly to help establish more even wear and prolong the life of your tires.
