One of the biggest purchases most of us can get are cars. Cars don’t come cheap and are considered lifetime assets. If you decide to cheap out on a car and get a rust bucket, you’ll be spending a lot of time fixing it. You’ll also be risking everyone riding in an old, broken-down car as many important components such as brakes and lights won’t work properly.
With that said, the ideal first purchase would be a brand-new car or a well-maintained used car. Whether used or brand-new, many first-time car owners often get their cars in trouble by not maintaining it properly. If you’re going to buy a car and don’t know how to take care of it, you’ll encounter a lot of problems. Thankfully, this article will let you in on a few tips and tricks to take care of your car.
Exterior
Before we get into the interior parts, you should first focus on the exterior. The exterior helps protect the important parts underneath. Your car’s exterior is also what makes it look good. Who wouldn’t want a clean, sparkling exterior for their car? Now there are several ways to maintain your exterior. Here are some of the most common ways:
- Regular Cleaning
With good old fashioned elbow grease, water, a car wash solution, and a clean cloth, you can keep your exterior looking good. Always remove any dirt or grime on your car’s exterior. The longer they stay, the bigger damage it’ll do.
- Applying Ceramic Coating
Good Ceramic coating will not only make your car look great, but it’ll also provide an additional layer of protection against rust, water spots, chipping, and scratches.
- Parking Under the Shade
Where you park matters. Parking under shade lets your exterior avoid excessive sunlight which can fade car paint over time. Avoid parking underneath trees as sap, falling branches, fruit, and even animals can damage your car.
- Fixing it Quick
If your car has a dent or scratch on it, get it fixed immediately. If you allow some scratches or dents on your exterior, it can worsen over time and cause even more damage.
Interior
Keeping the inside clean is just as important as keeping the exterior cleaned. The interior is where you and your passengers sit. No one would like to sit in a beautiful car with a bad, stinky interior. To take care of your interior, the most basic thing is to clear trash. If you can, avoid eating and drinking in your car to avoid nasty stains and smells.
Your windows should also be kept clean, along with your dashboard, steering wheel, and seats. You can remove floor mats and clean them separately. Lastly, use a vacuum cleaner. Vacuum anywhere in the interior that your nozzle can reach.
Engine, Brake, Wheels, Fluids, and Everything Else
Without maintaining these essentials, your car won’t function properly and can be a hazard for everyone. Here’s a list of the things you need to check up on with regular maintenance:
- For a brand-new car, change oil every 10,000 or after 12 months; whichever comes first. Afterwards, change your oil as recommended by your car manufacturer.
- Maintain your tire. Make sure they aren’t worn out. Also, always have the proper tire pressure and rotate tires every 7500 miles.
- Check your lights if they’re properly lighting. It’s a serious violation and a costly ticket if you drive around with busted lights.
- Check Car Battery. Using a voltmeter, a healthy car battery has a voltage between 12.4 and 12.7 volts.
- Always check fluids everytime you go out. Here’s a list of fluids that you need to check:
- Oil
- Brake Fluid
- Coolant
- Transmission Fluid
- Power Steering Fluid
- Windshield Wiper Fluid
Final Thoughts
If you’re unsure about your car, always have a mechanic take a look. A car that’s not properly maintained can’t function properly and is dangerous. Aside from the tips mentioned above, it’s always a great idea to get regular maintenance for your car. With regular maintenance and good driving habits, you’re effectively lengthening the lifespan of your car.