5 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR CAR IN OPTIMAL CONDITIONS
Keeping your car in optimal conditions is essential in cities, to avoid causing road traffic and delaying on your way. We share some useful tips for your vehicle. Cars can be the best companions on the road, however, when they fail, the repercussions can be very large, both in time and money. Experts from the United Services Automobile Association recommend these five basic maintenance steps for your car to prevent maintenance or repair costs:
1. Read and have on Hand the Maintenance Program of your Vehicle:
Each car comes with an official manual full of recommendations for regular maintenance. The manufacturer can't force you to follow it, but it would be smart if you did. Among other suggestions, for good maintenance the manual explains how:
- Change the oil and frequency to do it.
- Check and make sure the fluids are the right color and are at the right level.
- Know the type of fuel that is best to use in your vehicle, be it premium, diesel or magna. The user manual provides a wealth of information.
2. Keep the Tires in Good Condition:
The motorist's manual suggests how often a mechanic should change the tires. Check the condition of your tires regularly to ensure that they are properly inflated and that the tread is still at a safe level. This results in better fuel efficiency on quiet rides as well as less risk of tire bursting.
3. Listen to your car:
People do not speak the same language as dogs, but whoever has one learns to “read” the signs that indicate that their puppy is hungry or wants to go outside. In the same way, you can understand what cars communicate. When you hear a squeal or rattling noise from cans, it means you should check the brakes. Does the steering wheel tremble more than usual on smooth roads? That is an indicator of potential problems in the future. Don't ignore the sounds or signals from your vehicle that may or may not be consistent from one day to the next. Listening to your car can help you avoid costly repairs. If something in the car feels wrong, it probably is.
4. Practice Good Driving Habits:
Be nice to your car. Don't try to make it go from zero to 60 in three seconds. Slow starts cause less stress on the engine. As you accelerate, it smoothly changes gears. And don't expect it to stop at a dime, that hurts the brakes.
5. Keep your Car Clean Inside and Out:
Both the exterior of the car and below it are dotted with trash, debris, and road grime, such as hot tar, dirt, bugs, or miscellaneous objects. Over time, these elements can damage vehicle components, including engine parts and the external body structure. As for the interior, you will enjoy it more and increase its resale value if you keep it clean, well-kept and tidy.
