For many people, their car is essentially a part of their family. Their vehicles let them move from one point to another with ease and allow them to travel to their dream destinations without trouble. However, these ideal situations are not always the case.
There are times when mechanical problems with the vehicle happen, thus causing it to stall in the most inconvenient time and at the most remote places. Without proper vehicle maintenance, this is a norm and not an exception.
As such, you need to ensure that your car gets the care it needs so it performs well and takes you to your destinations on time and safely.
Here are five easy ways to make your car run smoother and longer:
Have body damages repaired immediately
Not only are dents unsightly, but they can also actually lead to an accident if not repaired immediately. For example, damage near the car’s wheels can cause a vehicle crash if the dented part suddenly dislodges at high speed and gets hit by the car’s wheels.
As such, be sure to quickly take your vehicle to a reputable car body repair shop especially if the dented part is at risk of separating from the vehicle body. A skilled body repair crew can make the car look like new using special techniques and products. It may cost you money but it will surely be worth it if your family’s safety is at stake.
Change the car’s fluids on schedule
There are reasons why vehicle manufacturers specify the mileage by which vehicle owners must change their car’s fluids such as engine oil, transmission fluid, engine coolant, brake fluid, and the like. In the simplest of terms, regular fluid change ensures that the vehicle’s mechanical parts are properly lubricated, so they could perform optimally and safely.
The engine, for example, typically requires an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles for the car to run smoothly. This should be a no-brainer since the intervals for fluid-related maintenance are clearly identified in the car’s manual, so you only have to follow them to the letter. If you don’t have the owner’s manual for whatever reason, you can do a quick online search or just take your car to a licensed mechanic and have it serviced.
Do periodic air filter maintenance
Your car’s air filter performs a vital function to ensure that your car runs as smoothly as possible. The filter traps dust and other contaminants that could otherwise impact your car’s gas mileage and engine performance.
Ideally, air filters need to be replaced every 12,000 miles, but you can replace them sooner if you’ve noticed a significant degradation in engine power and mileage. You can do the replacement DIY-style or have your trusted mechanic do it for you if you don’t have the time for it.
Don’t overload
Even if you drive a tough 4×4 pickup truck, it shouldn’t give you the false sense of security that it’s okay to put as much load into your car because you’re driving a bad boy, anyway. Well, if you’ll do it once or twice due to necessity, then it’s probably forgivable. But to make it a habit is just plain no good.
No matter how expensive your car’s suspension system may be, hauling cargo that’s way above the manufacturer-recommended loading capacity of your car could cause premature wear on the engine, as well as the suspension system and tires.
So, instead of cramming everything inside your car in a single trip, see if it would be much sensible and safer if you’ll do two trips instead, especially if the distance from point A to point B isn’t that far.
Always start the car slow and build up speed gradually
Sure, those movie scenes showing bad-ass drivers of sports cars doing pedal to the metal driving from a complete stop look just impressive on the big screen. However, as cinematic as they may seem to you, they’re not exactly kind to their cars and to yours.
Racing the car from a stationary position, particularly during cold weather, could cause quick deterioration of the car’s engine components. If you’ll make it a habit, then you might as well say goodbye to the idea of getting years of great service from your vehicle, because you’re most likely up for some expensive repairs too soon.
That said, instead of acting like a race car driver every time you take the wheel, be sure to start the car slow and just gradually speed up when the car’s engine has been properly warmed up.
Give your car the proper care and attention it deserves and it will surely give you more miles of service in return.
