Simple Tips for Taking Care of Your Car
Cars are, unfortunately, costly things to run. Past the cost of purchase, there are myriad ways in which your car can hoover up cash – from the basic road tax, insurance, and fuel costs to the much more impactful costs associated with servicing and emergency repair.
In today’s economy, more and more people are struggling to justify hanging on to their daily driver – and many motorists are one unexpected breakdown away from becoming carless. Indeed, recent news has revealed that as many as 40,000 cars on UK roads could be unsafe on account of drivers being unable to afford their MOT.
With car condition a leading factor here, it follows that taking car of your car is not just a manufacturer recommendation but a shrewd way to keep costs down – to say nothing of the road safety element. There are numerous simple ways in which you can take better care of your car, which can in turn have direct impacts on condition and lifespan. What are they?
Know the Service Schedule
While the idea is that your car spends as little time in a repair garage as possible, some visits are unavoidable. Manufacturers typically suggest a service schedule, that takes into account the differing failure rates of different vehicle parts. This would be included in the vehicle’s documentation, and recommend you to go for a service depending on months used or miles driven. Any used vehicles you buy should come with their paperwork; this way, you can track the schedule and investigate their service history.
Keep It Clean
“Keep your car clean” might sound more like a parent’s admonition than a car care tip, but there are genuine reasons behind this tip. Granted, vacuuming and dusting your car might not be the most thrilling way to spend an afternoon, but dirt and grime are not inert when present.
They can hasten the weathering and deterioration of parts of your car, and also obfuscate damage in harder-to-see places. Keeping a regular cleaning schedule means you are keeping your car from unnecessary wear while keeping a close eye on its condition.
Check Oil
A similar principle applies to your car’s internal operation. Oil is a vital provision for engine health, being a lubricant that also cleans your engine by trapping debris. Over time, your oil becomes less lubricative, serving instead to wear your engine. Regular oil checks let you ensure your engine is running healthily and minimise engine damage through wear.
Drive Safely
Lastly, your driving habits have real consequences for the condition of your car – and not just due to the potential for accidents. Revving your car puts unnecessary strain on your engine, while late braking into corners can stress both your brakes and suspension. By driving more considerately, you can keep your car’s parts in better condition for longer.
