Car care: Things you need to know

Car care is one of the most essential parts of car maintenance. If you want your vehicle to run smoothly throughout its lifetime, then you need to pay attention to its upkeep. Car owners often neglect their vehicles’ regular oil changes and engine tune-ups, leading to expensive repairs later down the road. Here are some tips for keeping your car in good condition:

Air Conditioning Maintenance

Air conditioning maintenance should take place at least once a year, however, if you notice any signs of trouble while driving, then you should have your air conditioner checked out right away. A few things to check for include: the compressor, belts, evaporator coils, drain hose, condenser fan motor, and blades. You should have these items inspected before they start giving you problems, as well as after you begin running them again. If you’re not sure how to do any of this work, you could contact a professional mechanic who specializes in automotive air conditioning repair.

Oil Change

Oil changes are simple enough to do yourself, but you need to make sure you follow a proper routine. First, turn off the engine; second, turn off the ignition switch; third, remove the oil cap from the top of the engine; fourth, find the dipstick and pull it out; fifth, check the level of oil on the dipstick; sixth, clean the filter; seventh, add some fresh oil; eight, replace the dipstick and cap the oil container back on. Make sure to use quality oil (10W-30) and rotate the oil every 5,000 miles or 6 months depending on manufacturer recommendations.

Coolant Flush

The coolant in your vehicle is actually under pressure, so it's important to flush it periodically. Be sure to check the fluid levels, especially when switching between summer and winter temperatures. If the coolant level is low or low-grade antifreeze is being used, then you need to flush the system, including the radiator and heater core.

Filter Replacement

It is important to keep the air flowing properly throughout the vehicle. Most cars require an air intake filter as well as a cabin air filter. When replacing either type of filter, it is recommended that you use a high-efficiency filter. These filters collect fine particulate matter from the airflow and prevent them from coming back into the passenger compartment. Check both the inside and outside of the air filter housing first, then change the filter and reinstall it. Remember always to change the filter before the expiration date printed on the housing.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Tire pressure monitoring systems have become increasingly popular over the years. As tires age, their tread depth decreases, making them less effective in stopping vehicles. Tires lose about half their original thickness over time, requiring higher inflation pressures to stop vehicles. An improperly inflated tire increases the risk of accidents. To monitor tire pressure, look for a TPMS indicator mounted near the driver-side door handle. There are two types of indicators: digital display and analog gauge. The digital display displays the current tire pressure in pounds per square inch (PSI). The numbers displayed may differ slightly based on the model and year of the car. Look for a number that is between 25 and 50 PSI above what the tire was designed to register. However, if the warning light lights up, you should correct the problem immediately. In most cases, the problem lies in the valve stem seal leaking, which means that the valve is worn down. If you choose to replace the tire instead of having it repaired, you'll need a flat kit to get you home. Flat kits come in several varieties, from basic plugs to heavy-duty lug nut covers and tools. Your best bet is to purchase a flat kit that includes everything you'll need to fix a flat tire.

Windshield Wiper Blades

Windshield wiper blades can wear out over time, causing streaks and spots along the glass surface. If you're concerned about the appearance of your windshield wipers, you should consider cleaning them thoroughly. Use a soft bristle brush to remove debris, dirt, and grime. Clean the windshield wiper blade assembly as well as the rubber squeegee head. Once done, apply a good amount of windshield cleaner and let dry. If you notice a buildup of soap residue around the rubber squeegee head, you'll need to wipe it off.

Battery Inspection

Batteries run many of our modern devices and appliances and play an important role in keeping our vehicles moving. Inspect your battery regularly for signs of corrosion and leakage. Batteries produce electricity by combining chemicals called electrolytes and using an electrical charge to move electrons from positive sides to negative sides, which creates the power we rely on every day. Over time, the chemical composition of electrolytes can break down, causing a decrease in voltage output and increased internal resistance, which will eventually cause your car to lose power, stop working, or even catch fire. If you see any signs of corrosion or leakage, check the terminals and connectors for damage and replace them if necessary.

Wiping up spills

One of the worst things you can do to your car is spill stuff on it. However, accidents happen and sometimes you might accidentally spill something on your car. If you find yourself in a situation like that, remember that quick action can save your car. After spilling a cup of coffee onto your dash, immediately wipe off the stain with a wet cloth. Do not attempt to scrub the stain off your dashboard. Instead, try rubbing alcohol to remove it. Another option is to apply WD-40 to the spot on your dashboard and wait for it to evaporate. Finally, if you're dealing with a larger spill, use a bucket filled with hot tap water to soak up any excess.

Protecting your car from UV rays

The sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays damage the paint of your car. These rays cause cracks and chips to surface on the paint and fade away the color. Sunlight can also dry out your tires and cause them to crack and peel off the tire belt. To avoid these problems, always protect your car from sunlight. Use windshield shades to block out harmful rays. Also, buy a good quality sunblock specially formulated for use on your car.

Washing your car

Cleaning your car involves more than just washing the exterior. By washing the exterior alone, you won't get rid of stains or odors completely. To wash your car, you'll need to start by washing your exterior with soap and water. Then, you'll need to shampoo your exterior to remove any remaining dirt and grime. After that, you'll rinse your car thoroughly until it looks clean again.

Storing your car keys

When you're storing your car keys, make sure that you keep them somewhere safe. Do not leave your keys where people could steal them. Make sure that you keep them away from places where they could be damaged. Your keys aren't just a means of opening your car door; they are also used to lock doors of your home, homes of relatives and friends, and even storage units.