Maintaining your car helps to keep it in good working condition, extending its life and helping to retain its value. It will also ensure that your car is safe for both you and others on the road. You might have forgotten about car maintenance during the lockdowns, which might lead to a risk of permanent damage or a very high car repair bill. It’s important that you regularly do a few checkups to ensure your car runs smoothly. Here are some tips on how you can maintain your car in a pandemic and otherwise.
Drive your car once a week
If you work from home and haven’t been using your car often, you should consider taking it out for a drive to keep its batteries charged. There is not one single answer to how often you should take your car out. It depends on the age of your car, the local climate, the condition of the battery and whether your car is parked outdoors or indoors. The general consensus among experts is that taking it out for a spin at least once a week will prevent the batteries from dying.
Checking and changing your car’s oil is important to keep your car’s engine in good condition. This should be a monthly activity. You can change the oil yourself by following the car’s owner’s manual or you can get it done at a service center.
Replace windshield wipers
People often ignore their windshield wipers malfunctioning, especially when they are not used regularly. Damaged windshield wipers can affect visibility and make driving in heavy rain or snow dangerous. You should check your windshield wipers regularly and get them replaced whenever necessary.
Check the tires
Checking tires regularly will ensure that you are safe when driving. They should be checked once a week. Remember that the pressure for the front and rear tires might be different and top them up accordingly. If needed, replace the tires to avoid any accidents. Tires with the right pressure also improve fuel efficiency and have a longer life.
Change air filter
This is one of the easiest car maintenance tasks. It is recommended you change the air filter every 12,000 miles. Changing out the filer regularly will improve your car’s fuel efficiency, reduce emissions and give your engine a longer life. You can change the air filter yourself without any hassles.
Regular checkups
Finally, you should get your car regularly checked. You might be able to perform some tests at home but others might require you to go to a service center. Don’t ignore your engine light when it comes on and get it inspected immediately. You might not always be able to tell when your car needs repairing. Technicians will be able to have a look at all the components of your car and complete the necessary maintenance.
A car is a big expense. Many people even get their cars upgraded with services like Clear Water Detailing to make the vehicle feel more customised. It’s important to maintain your car in order to drive it safely and keep it with you for a long time.
