You’ve seen them, who have their car washed and detailed every week. They take it in for an oil change before the mileage reaches 3000 miles, and they probably vacuum the inside.
It must be nice not to worry about your car at all. But what if you don’t drive much? Does that make weekly car care a waste of time and money?
Not necessarily. Here are five ways to keep your car in great shape, even if you don’t drive it every day:
Have the Car Serviced Regularly
Your car undergoes many rough situations. For example, the engine works hard to keep the vehicle running, the brakes are used every time you come to a stop, and the tires go through a lot of wear and tear. Over time, these parts can begin to fail.
To prevent this from happening, it’s essential to have the car serviced regularly. This means taking it to a car repair garage for an oil change, tune-up, and other maintenance as needed. When you have your car serviced, the mechanic will check all the major systems and ensure they are running smoothly. By keeping up with the car’s service schedule, you can help to ensure that it lasts longer.
Change the Oil Regularly
This is the most important thing to keep your car running well. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you don’t drive often, you may be able to go longer between changes. But don’t exceed the mileage limit.
You need to use the recommended oil. There are different types of oil, and each is designed for a specific type of engine. For example, there is synthetic oil, high mileage oil, and conventional oil. Be sure to use the right kind of oil for your car. Using the wrong type of oil can damage your engine. So it’s essential to go through the car’s manual and look for the kind of oil to use.
Check the Fluids Regularly
In addition to oil, your car needs other fluids to function correctly. These include coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid. Coolants are liquids that help regulate the temperature of your car’s engine.
It’s essential to check the levels of all of your car’s fluids regularly. This includes the oil, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid. If any of these fluids are low, you’ll need to refill them.
Check the levels monthly and add fluids as needed. It’s essential to use the correct type of fluid. Again, consult your car’s manual for specific recommendations. Mixing different types of liquids can damage your vehicle. If you’re not sure how to do this, take the car to a mechanic and have them do it for you.
Check the Tires Regularly
Tires lose air over time. Low tire pressure can cause decreased fuel economy and premature tire wear. Check the pressure monthly and add air as needed. The recommended air pressure for car tires is typically found in your car’s owner’s manual. However, you can also find it on the tire itself. The air pressure is usually expressed in pounds per square inch (psi). The recommended air pressure will vary depending on the weight of your car, the type of tires, and the ambient temperature.
It’s also important to check the tread depth of your tires. Tread depth is the amount of rubber that is touching the road. The deeper the tread, the better the traction and the safer you will be in wet or icy conditions. You can check the depth by using a quarter. Insert it into the tread and try to see the top of George Washington’s head. If you can see the head, the tread depth is less than 4/32-inch. This is the time when you should consider replacing the tires.
It’s also essential to ensure that your tires are correctly aligned and balanced. This can help extend the life of your tires and improve your car’s handling. Have this done by a professional every 6 months or so.
Clean the Car Regularly
A weekly wash will remove dirt, debris, and salt that can damage the paint and undercarriage. A thorough cleaning also helps you spot problems early, such as a cracked windshield or leaking tires. Washing the car regularly is important, but you should also be sure to clean the vehicle’s inside. This includes vacuuming the carpets and upholstery and wiping down the hard surfaces. A clean car is a happy car!
You’ll want to consider a few factors when purchasing a vacuum for cleaning your car’s interior.
First, you’ll want to decide what type of vacuum you want. There are corded and cordless vacuums. Corded vacuums offer more power but can be cumbersome. Cordless vacuums are lightweight and easy to use, but they don’t have as much energy.
Second, you’ll want to decide what type of attachment you need. There are a variety of attachments available, such as a crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool.
Third, you’ll want to decide on the features you need. Some vacuums come with a detachable hose, while others have a built-in hose. Other features to look for include a dustbin that can be quickly emptied and a filter that can be washed.
Fourth, you’ll want to consider the price. Vacuums range in price from around $30 to $300. It’s essential to find a vacuum that fits your budget and needs.
If you can’t do all of these things, at least do the most important ones: change the oil and check the fluids regularly. Your car will thank you.
