12 Important Car Care Tips You Should Know About
Whether you are a person using public transport or a person who has your own vehicle, either way, transportation is such a pivotal component of each of our day-to-day lives and certainly, it is a dream for anyone who doesn't have his own vehicle to one day own a vehicle that belongs to him or her. It's a goal for most of us to eventually own our own car and once we do it's important for us to know how to maintain our car so that we can use it without problems and in a good running condition which will make our day to day activities a lot easier.
We have gathered together for you some expert car care tips which not only can be done by anyone but will only take a little bit of time and it certainly will improve the service that your car gives you.
1. Engine Oil
What good is a man without a heart? Similarly, what good is a car without a well-maintained engine which is considered to be the heart of any vehicle? A car's service manual usually provides information as to how often you need to change the engine oil. In most vehicles, you can test the level of your engine oil by checking the dipstick which is usually yellow in color and you can get an idea if the necessary amount of oil is present.
2. Spark Plug
This might not be a component which can be seen easily in your car but it is a tiny hidden part which plays a main role in the car's ignition. If you have trouble starting your car it may be the case that the spark plug has worn out with use and time and needs to be replaced. This too is a very useful car maintenance tip for you to keep in mind.
3. Car Battery
You can check to see if your car has enough energy to run well by taking your battery to the mechanic and getting it checked by a multi meter. It's a good idea to make sure you get it checked once a year.
4. Tire Pressure
When refilling tires with air it is always advisable to read the manufacturer's recommendations and follow them accordingly. The manufacturer's recommendations are usually found on a sticker attached near the driver's door.
5. Air Filter
This is responsible for efficient airflow and overall performance of your car. If you feel that your car's performance is no longer as good as it used to be then it might be because your air filter is dirty and needs to be replaced.
6. Wiper Blades
Even though the significance of your wiper blades is not that obvious through the dry season, it is obvious when rainy season winter comes when we can see the importance of them and their effectiveness. Just to be on the safe side it is advisable to replace your wiper blades every year during the hot time.
7. Brakes
If you come across symptoms such as a squeaky noise coming from your brakes, or you are planning on going on a long distance trip or even if you have a general ill feeling about your brakes it is best and advisable to get them checked as soon as possible since they are a vital component of your car.
8. Radiator
The radiator keeps the car's engine cool with its coolant fluid. However, say the radiator has run out of coolant and you aren't in a position to get the fluid replaced, a stopgap is you can use still water too in order keep your engine cool when it over heats.
9. Washing and Vacuuming Your Car
Washing your car daily or at least once every 2-3 days will remove all the road salt and debris that your car catches while on the road.
10. Hoses and Belts
If you don't check regularly you will never know when a belt or a hose in your car will break so it is advisable to get your hoses and belts checked by a mechanic at least once every three months.
11. Changing Tires
It's quite dangerous to run your car on worn out tires, and it is very important to know how to change your tires in case of an emergency. If you get the feeling that you have a punctured tire try to stop your car on the side of the road in a place that is safe and not causing trouble for other cars. Then take your jack and make sure you place it under the metal part of the car frame. Then raise the car just enough to take the pressure off the tire so you can remove the lug nuts. Also, watch out as tires are quite heavy. An important car care tip is to remember to get the punctured tire repaired or replaced because you never know when you'll need it again.
12. Emergency Contact
Above everything else is the safety of your life, so make sure to have contact details in your car in case of an emergency. Make a contact list of the following and make sure you have a copy of it in your car and your mobile devices. Emergency contacts such as the LASEMA Hotline, contact for ambulances, your car insurance company, trusted friends and family. Also, try your best not to panic but to keep calm during emergencies.
