As a driver, it is common knowledge that a car should be maintained on a regular basis. There are people who will only start looking for a mechanic when the check engine light engine is on. This could result in costly repairs which could have been avoided in the first place. It is imperative that you’re taking your vehicle whenever the odometer reading is due. You could be endangering your life and that of other road users when you’re driving a faulty car. This will be hard to know if you’re not maintaining it. Here are some reasons why you should maintain your car.
Improves Safety
You might have worn out brake pads and you still insist on driving. There will come a time when the brakes won’t be as effective anymore. This will lead to compromising safety while on the road. Having your car checked will ensure that there is no safety issue which is a big concern for other road users too. You get to install good brake pads that improve the overall safety of the car. Another safety concern is the timing belt. It is recommended that it is replaced after every 50,000 miles because it is what keeps the engine running.
Saves Money
Car parts don’t come cheap. There are some situations that can be avoided when there is a maintenance schedule in place. What might have ended up in a replacement can easily be fixed with a repair job. Basic car maintenance will go a long way in ensuring that you’re not spending money on unnecessary repairs and replacements.
Great Resale Value
No one wants to buy a car that has been poorly maintained. A potential buyer will ask for the service history of the car before making a purchasing decision. They will only go ahead with the purchase after confirming the car was regularly maintained and the service history shows just that. If you’ve been maintaining your vehicle ever since you bought it, you’re likely to get a good deal should you decide to sell it.
Reduced Road Accidents
It is very rare for a well-maintained car to break down while on the road. The engine has to be checked. If the brakes are in good condition and the tires are well inflated, there is not a lot that you should be worried about.
Green Environment
A vehicle that is not well maintained will require a lot more energy to function. This will result in increased carbon emissions which are not safe for the environment. The engine needs to be checked to ensure that the oil is not burnt. Insurance providers will want to know that you’re certain about the condition of your car. Having looked at the reasons to maintain your car, here are some tips that will come in handy if you’re looking to improve the safety and performance of your car.
Regular Service: The car needs to be serviced every 5000 miles. The oil and air filters will need to be changed to ensure that the engine is running at optimum efficiency. Don’t skip the service as that is always the start of some of the bigger problems with the functioning of the car.
Keep the Tires in Shape: It is easy to assume that the tires are in good shape. According to statistics, close to 11,000 tow-aways are caused by tire issues. The tires need to be properly inflated. The tires need to be tested at least once a month to ensure they’re in line with the owner’s manual recommendations.
Replace Windshield Wipers: It will be time to replace the windshield wipers if they’re not functioning like they used to. This is something that is fairly easy to observe.
Wash Your Car: This is a simple maintenance tip that anyone can do. The car needs to be washed at least once a month to keep it in top condition.
Reading the Owner’s Manual: Most car owners are guilty of not going through the owner’s manual. It will have all the information you need to know about your car. Even if you’re consulting with a mechanic, you’ll be in a better position to know what to do once you’ve gone through the owner’s manual.
To sum it up, taking good care of your car will ensure that you’re not spending thousands of dollars in expensive repairs. You also improve the safety and resale value of the car.
