Vehicles are an expensive investment, which means you always want to do what you can to keep your car in good shape. With 14 million vehicles on the road today being at least 25 years old, clearly, the lessons of preventative maintenance have been learned by quite a few drivers. Unfortunately, there are things, like accidents, that cause damage and are out of your control. But there are some really easy steps you can take to extend the life of your car — so if you’re looking for some simple auto care tips, keep reading.
Change the Fluids
Regularly checking and changing your vehicle’s fluids is something that is easily done, but often forgotten about. There are several different fluids that help keep your car running — the oil, transmission fluid, coolant, and power steering fluid are just a few. Your vehicle’s manual should include guidelines as for how often these fluids need to be checked and changed. It can be a great idea to put these reminders on a calendar or in your phone so you don’t forget. With 77% of vehicles on the road today needing maintenance, it’s a good idea to schedule professional maintenance services regularly. And in between getting your car serviced, you may want to check the fluid levels — unseen leaks or other damage can significantly reduce the quality of your vehicle and can even make it dangerous to drive. When checking the brake fluid level of your vehicle, you may also inspect the brake system to determine if it needs an auto front disc brake conversion kit. If you happen to own a Fiat and you need a brake system for it, then you may consider looking into these FIAT 124 Spider brake parts for sale. So always keep fluid levels on your mind, and be sure to visit a transmission shop for any transmission-related concerns.
Be Mindful of Where You’re Parking
Another easy way to keep your car in great shape is being careful where you’re parking it — whether it’s at home in your drive, on a side street, or in a parking lot, there are some important parking tips to remember. First, always try to park in the shade if possible. The sun can cause both the exterior and the interior of your vehicle to fade and wear. If needed, buy a car shade to protect your interior. Also, try to avoid tight parking spots. While most people are courteous and are mindful when opening their doors, accidents happen and you may end up getting dinged. And with it taking up to 100 small pushes to return a panel to its original pre-accident condition, you want to avoid that whenever possible. Keeping your car’s exterior in good condition will help you avoid problems like rust, which can quickly escalate.
Rotate Your Tires Regularly
Checking the air pressure and rotating your tires on a regular basis is important for a few reasons. Checking the tire pressure can help prevent serious problems, like overheated tires or a blow out, which can destroy the tire and cause damage to the rim and the car itself. Additionally, you should rotate your tires to prevent them from wearing unevenly. This can help make sure your tires last as long as possible, but it can also ensure your car is stable. Having even tires can help keep the axle in good shape, which helps the driver maintain control over the car. While stainless steel pipes can last more than 100 years in typical conditions, not all car parts are as sturdy as that. So check and rotate your tires regularly.
New or old, a vehicle that’s maintained properly can last a long time. So if you want to extend your vehicle’s lifespan as long as possible, keep these tips in mind and your car will be kept in good condition.
