Five Ways You Can Maintain Your Vehicle For a Long Life
Americans love cars for many reasons. Cars are a symbol of freedom and independence, and they allow people to travel wherever they want to go. Cars are also a great way to express personality and style. Owning a car is an integral part of the American Dream for many Americans.
Many Americans are willing to spend at least $40,000 on a car and a staggering $5,000 on maintenance costs. However, if you’re smart with your purchase, you might not even have to spend that much. Here are ways to increase your vehicle’s life span through simple maintenance.
Change Oil Regularly
One of the most important things you can do to maintain your vehicle is to change the oil regularly. Depending on the car, you should vary the oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Not changing your oil often enough will cause build-up and sludge, damaging your engine.
Sludge can also prevent your engine from getting the proper lubrication it needs, leading to increased wear and tear. In addition, not changing your oil often enough will cause your car to use more fuel.
Moreover, a damaged engine can mean costly repairs or even a complete replacement. On the other hand, buying a new car might be cheaper than replacing an engine. Therefore, it’s essential to change your oil regularly to prevent engine damage and keep your car running smoothly.
Check Tire Pressure
Maintaining proper tire pressure is vital for several reasons. It can improve your gas mileage, and extend the life of your tires. Unfortunately, tires can cost more than $200 per wheel, making them expensive. So by maintaining them you can avoid these costs.
Keeping your tires maintained can also improve the handling of your car. Lastly, good tires can enhance your safety on the road. However, under-inflated tires can cause several problems. For example, they can overheat, which can lead to a blowout. In addition, under-inflated tires can increase wear and tear.
It’s essential to check your tire pressure at least once a month. You can use a tire gauge to check the pressure of your tires. Most tire gauges cost less than $10.
You should also check your owner’s manual to see the proper tire pressure for your car. You can usually find this information on a sticker on the driver’s door.
If you notice that one of your tires is low on air, you can use a portable air compressor to fill it up. You can find these compressors at most gas stations.
Rotate Tires
Rotating your tires is another important way to maintain your vehicle. This helps to ensure that all four tires wear evenly. When one tire wears out faster than the others, it can cause problems.
For example, if your front tires are worn out, it can cause your car to pull to one side. This can make it difficult to control your car, which can be dangerous.
Rotating your tires also helps to extend their life. The front tires usually wear out faster than the rear tires because they bear more of the car’s weight. By rotating them, you can help to even out the wear.
You should rotate your tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. You can usually have this done for free at a tire or auto store. You can also do this yourself, but you’ll have to invest money in a durable four-post car lift. If you’re the kind of gearhead who wants to do your car maintenance, this can be a valuable investment.
Replace Windshield Wipers
Another important way to maintain your vehicle is to replace your windshield wipers when they wear out. This is important because worn-out windshield wipers can prevent you from seeing clearly. This can be dangerous, especially in bad weather.
You should replace your windshield wipers at least once a year. You can usually find replacement blades at an auto store or a department store. When you’re replacing them, make sure to get the right size for your car.
You should also clean your windshield regularly. This will help to prevent build-up, which can make it difficult to see through your windshield.
You can clean your windshield with a glass cleaner and a soft cloth. Make sure to clean the inside and outside of your windshield.
Clean Your Battery Terminals
It’s also important to clean your battery terminals to maintain your vehicle. This is because build-up on the terminals can prevent your battery from working properly.
If your battery isn’t working properly, it can cause a number of problems. For example, it can make it difficult to start your car. In addition, a bad battery can cause your car to stall.
You can clean your battery terminals with a wire brush. You can find these at most auto stores. Make sure to disconnect your battery before you clean the terminals.
Maintaining your vehicle is important if you want it to last for a long time. There are many things you can do to maintain your car, like checking the tire pressure, rotating the tires, and replacing the windshield wipers. You should also clean your battery terminals to prevent build-up. By taking care of your car, you can extend its life and avoid costly repairs.
