Whether you’ve purchased a new car, or the car is just new to you. Congratulations! There’s nothing like getting a new set of wheels. You’ll want to keep your car looking and running good for years to come, and the best way to do that is through good old fashioned upkeep. Here are a few great tips to use along the way.
Check Your Oil
Newer car technology changes the math on how often you should get oil changes.
The standard for years was every 3,000 miles, but these days it’s more like every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. If you take your car to a shop, the mechanics can give you the best timeline based on your car’s age and type. In the meantime, make a point to check your oil regularly to see if it’s low or dirty. Oil is the lifeblood of your car. If you neglect to monitor levels and forgo regular changes, your engine can seize and essentially turn the car into a giant paperweight.
Practice Good Tire Hygiene
Check the tire pressure regularly with a tire pressure gauge (keep one in your glove-box or console). To determine the psi, check the sticker on the inside of the driver’s side door or your owner’s manual. The typical recommendation for tire pressure is between 30 and 35 psi.
Also, be sure to monitor the tread on your tires. Low tread can keep your car from gripping the road in wet or icy weather. Based on the owner’s manual, have your tires rotated regularly, in addition to having them balanced, which ensures regular wear and an extended life for your tires.
Keep Your Car Looking Good
Taking care of your car extends to its appearance inside and out. Be sure to regularly wash and wax your car, and vacuum and clean out the interior. If you can afford it, consider having your car detailed once or twice a year. Regular upkeep will ensure better resale value down the road.
Keep Up With Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is what keeps your car going year after year. Monitor the fluids, brakes, belts, and wiper blades. [Dana Meyer Auto Care highly recommends going to a shop for regular major mile work-ups every 30k miles this way all the manufacturer recommended services are being addressed. These major work-ups can prevent very costly repairs, or in some cases, avoid catastrophic engine failure. Vehicles these days do not conform to a one size fits all “tune-up,” this is why personalized auto care is necessary.]
If anything seems amiss, contact your mechanics’ shop immediately. Your best bet is to follow the owner’s manual for a recommended maintenance schedule.
Article By: Erika Greenberg
About Erika: She is a classic car lover. When she’s not busy working for promotorsales.com, she spends time gathering stories from other car enthusiasts to share via podcast or article. If you have a story you would like to share with Erika, you can reach her at [email protected]. Happy driving!