There are over 290 million vehicles in the U.S., which reveals how many of us own cars.
Following basic car maintenance tips is essential for preserving your vehicle and investment. But, if you don’t have a strong foundation, you risk potentially destroying your car. Maybe that’s what brought you here; you’re struggling with maintaining your vehicle and need a nudge in the right direction.
Did we hit the nail on the head? Luckily, you’ve come to the right place. Here are five must-know car maintenance tips.
1. Clean the Exterior and Interior
One of the car maintenance tips is cleaning the exterior. Get in the habit of waxing your vehicle as it protects the paint job and creates a barrier against animal droppings, which are corrosive. Also, to improve your detailing skills, look out for reputable 3m car care products as they’ll keep your car looking fresh.
You should also go the extra mile to clean the interior. Grab a vacuum to remove food debris and wipe down high-touch areas with a damp sponge.
2. Change the Oil
Our car maintenance guide wouldn’t be complete without mentioning oil. A good rule of thumb is to check the engine oil for every other fill-up. To do this, remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with a paper towel as it’ll reveal the level.
If you’re running low, check the manufacturer’s manual so that you buy the right oil.
3. Inflate Your Tires
A crucial aspect of auto care is regularly inflating your tires. Check the number written on the tire and always inflate to that level; otherwise, you could risk an accident. Ideally, pump your tires once a month for peace of mind.
Car owners should also check the tire’s tread for safety. In most states, you should never wear tires to 1.5 millimeters of depth as that’s a hazard.
4. Clean Your Engine
Another tip to maintain your car is regularly cleaning the engine. If you’re uncomfortable, hire a mechanic to deep-clean the machine and check that there are no leaks. But make sure that the air intake, distributor, and electrical parts are stored in plastic bags for extra protection.
5. Care for Your Battery
Anyone interested in car maintenance should care for their battery. It can be as simple as wiping down the battery with a rag as it ensures that the electrical current runs well. You should also check the battery’s posts and terminals to remove any debris that could block it.
Further, avoid overusing the battery as it could drain it. For instance, never leave the battery running or leave the lights on because you could break down.
Enjoy Our Top Car Maintenance Tips
Hopefully, you’ll take these car maintenance tips and use them to your advantage.
There are many tricks of the trade, such as cleaning the vehicle’s interior and regularly changing the oil. Car owners should also clean their engines and care for the battery to extend its lifespan. Good luck!
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