Most people carefully consider their decision to invest their money in cars. A vehicle is nice to have because you don’t have to rely on anyone else or public transportation for rides. Instead, you simply hop in your car and go as you please.
However, vehicles can be expensive, not only in terms of their sticker price but also when it comes to repair and maintenance. Cars can also be a lot of work, as owners must care for them properly if they want their cars to last. Failing in this regard can lead to unexpected breakdowns, which nobody wants to deal with, so use these maintenance tips to prevent many different issues from developing.
Purchase an Extended Car Warranty
One of the first things to do is to secure a way to pay for expensive auto repairs without breaking the bank. Some car repair services are extremely costly. For instance, it is labor-intensive to repair or replace a transmission. The jobs just take time, and, as such, you’ll see that reflected on the bill. According to an article on Doityourself.com, a transmission repair or replacement can run between $1,000 and $4,000.
An extended car warranty can help you in such situations, especially if the manufacturer’s warranty has expired. This car warranty won’t cover the cost of maintenance services. However, it will pay for parts and labor for repair and replacement services after the deductible is met. That amount will vary from one company to the next, but it is usually right at $100. Thus, that’s what you’ll pay each time service is required.
That beats having to spend $1,000 or more out of pocket when you need to have your car repaired. Now, the only question is choosing the right warranty provider. You can always start with reading resources like forums and review sites. An Endurance warranty review, for instance, can reveal what the business brings to the table.
Rotate the Tires
Typically, people have the tires on their vehicles rotated by professionals every 5,000 miles. However, if you want to ensure this task is done at the appropriate time, refer to your owner’s manual. Tire rotations prevent tires from wearing unevenly.
When bald spots or knots develop on your car’s tires, they can cause vibrations. Not to mention, control issues can enter the picture if the vehicle begins pulling right or left. So, rotate your tires, and, hopefully, they’ll remain in tip-top shape and not cause you to wreck.
Change the Oil
The oil keeps internal engine parts lubricated and moving freely. However, after the substance gets older, it breaks down and becomes less effective. Thus, it is necessary to change the oil and oil filter every so often. Of course, when people need to complete the task will vary. In the past, manufacturers recommended that oil changes happen every 3,000 miles. But, nowadays, these services are typically required at 5,000 to 7,000-mile intervals.
Whatever you do, make it a point not to neglect this maintenance procedure. Going that route could result in your motor blowing. It might cause parts to freeze, and after that, a rod might get thrown through the engine block. Refer to your owner’s manual to determine when to focus your attention on oil changes.
You can tackle the projects on your own if you wish to save some money. Or, if that sounds like too much of a hassle, there is also the option of scheduling an appointment with a local lube shop or mechanic. The professionals will be more than happy to do the job for a fee.
Wash and Wax the Car
Vehicle maintenance isn’t all about the engine. For example, as a new car owner, you will also need to care for its exterior. After all, the paint is subjected to many elements, like bird droppings and tree sap, which can produce scratches, blemishes, and discoloration. That’s why you need to wash the vehicle regularly. Most people clean their cars once every two weeks. In your situation, that might be enough, but sometimes, you’ll need to wash your vehicle sooner than that.
Meanwhile, it is best to wax your car twice per year or every six months. Waxing can remove small scratches occasionally, but it also creates an extra layer of protection over the paint and the clear coat finish. Hence, ensure that you wash and wax your new vehicle, as those are essential car maintenance tasks.
During the wintertime, especially if you live in a cold climate, pay special attention to the vehicle’s undercarriage. It will need to be rinsed regularly to remove any salt that may have accumulated underneath, as salt is often put on roads to melt ice. Salt shouldn’t be left on your car’s undercarriage longer than necessary because it could cause rust to form and weaken the vehicle’s frame or body.
Use the Correct Octane Level
When you go to fill up your car at a gas station, there’s a good chance that you use the fuel with the lowest octane level because it’s cheaper than the other options. However, as part of your maintenance routine, you may want to make sure you’re using the appropriate gas.
Information on the right type of gas to use might be possible to find in the owner’s manual, but don’t fret if you can’t find it there. Instead, contact the dealership or an auto parts store. The staff members should be able to provide you with the info you seek.
Failing to use fuel of the appropriate octane level could make your car stumble or hesitate during take-off. It might even stall in traffic or at a red light. Thus, fill your tank with suitable gas and keep such issues at bay.
The Final Words
Car maintenance can be a bit challenging, but that fate doesn’t have to be in store for you. In some cases, all it takes is checking your vehicle’s manual. This resource comes with a multitude of information on common maintenance procedures like oil changes and tire rotation. With this information, you can prevent significant vehicle problems from developing and keep your car in top shape.
