There seems to be no need to apprise many car owners why they should keep their cars in a healthy condition. But, for some, there is the need to do so.
You cannot regard your car just as a machine that can serve you as per your will. Instead, it needs adequate care and maintenance to function correctly.
The human body can be a good analogy for a car. Just like the human body needs maintenance to keep it healthy, a car also needs to be maintained to keep it healthy. Remember, only a healthy car can serve you the best.
If you do not keep your car in good condition, it can develop defects. As a result, you will have to spend money fixing the defects.
Here, we share ten effective ways to keep your car healthy that will not only help you experience a smooth driving experience but also lessen your visits to the car service station for repairs:
#1. Check the Engine Oil
It will not be wrong to regard the engine oil as the blood of your car. Therefore, you should ensure that the engine oil is at the correct levels.
So, do not fail to check the oil levels now and then. If you find the level of oil low, take your car to the mechanic to fill it to the correct level.
According to the claims of most oil manufacturers, a standard oil can last up to 15,000 km on average. But, you should change the oil every 10,000 km, as suggested by observation.
#2. Check Brakes, Batteries and Belts
The brakes, battery and belts are vital components of a car. You should ensure that the brakes work correctly to stop the car, or else an accident will occur. So, get the braking system checked at least once every three months. You can also check up to a quarter of a year.
Likewise, check the distilled water level of the battery to ensure that it is at the correct level. And, you can expect the battery to last up for a year and a half, depending on the manufacturer.
#3. Look for Warnings
If everything is not well with your car, you will see warning signs. For example, if you see the warning lights on the dashboard illuminating, you should find a mobile mechanic to check what is wrong with the car.
You should go through the manual to know what to do in case of specific warnings. In addition, you should keep yourself aware of the repair costs as per market standards.
#4. Engage Trusted Mechanics
Do not engage inept mechanics to save money. If you hire an incompetent mechanic who charges less to repair your car, your car may get more damaged due to faulty repair.
Therefore, you should enquire from different sources about the right mechanic for your car’s job. And do not fail to engage a competent mechanic.
#5. Examine the Body
Examining the body of your car can give you hints about its condition. First, ensure regular washing of your car. Also, fix any dents on your car’s body, and remove rust if you find them on your car’s body.
#6. Check the Tyre Pressure
Having the correct tyre pressure is essential for a smooth car driving experience. Therefore, check for the correct tyre pressure. A good practice is to check for the pressure before driving your car. Moreover, look at the treads between the tyres, as they often indicate when to be replaced. You should change the tyres every 5000kms to avoid uneven tyre wear out.
#7. Check the Fluids
Keeping aware of the essential fluids is essential. Therefore, check the levels of power steering fluid, engine oil, brake oil, coolant, and wiper washer fluid/water.
If you do not check the fluid levels, it can be the cause of malfunctions in your car if the levels drop to critical to below the recommendations. If you doubt any of the prescribed levels, ask a mechanic to specify the right levels.
#8. Emission Control Systems
It does not matter in which part of the world you stay. The threat of global warming will be there. You might not like it, but you can indeed is also a source of pollution, hence global warming.
You should minimize your car’s contribution to pollution. Therefore, check the emission control systems to ensure they work properly. Again, you are bound to check your car for emissions if your country mandates it according to the existing laws. You can conveniently check your car for emissions in most fuel stations that have the required machinery to check your car for pollution. But, you should take a certification upon completing a check.
#9. Check Windows and Head Lights
Another necessity is to check the condition of the windowpanes and headlights to ensure that they are in proper condition.
Often, there can be a minor mechanical issue, such as an immobile window due to some problem with the automatic switch. It can cause a problem while driving on a rainy day. Again, if the headlamp does not work at night, it will impact driving and compromise safety. Therefore, check the headlamp regularly.
#10. The Interior
Finally, do not undermine the need to check your car’s interior. The interior has to look good to give good impressions. A sluggish, unkempt, or disorganized car interior can give a wrong impression.
Moreover, it is a good practice to clean the interior frequently.
Conclusion
Keeping your car healthy is crucial to getting a good driving experience and lessening defects. Moreover, you can get a good resale value with a healthy car. Therefore, ensure that you follow the tips shared in this article to keep your car healthy.