Your car is one of your most precious possessions. It's also something you surely depend on, whether you commute to work or pick up your kids from school. Today, people keep their vehicles longer before reselling and changing them, in part because of car loans and mostly longer repayment plans. Therefore, it is more important than ever to maintain your vehicle properly so that it has a longer life and you will avoid the heaviest repairs.
Whether you've noticed that your car is pulling to one side or you hear a slight buzzing sound when you turn on the air conditioning, these small, end-to-end problems can become very serious when left behind. Fix them as soon as possible to avoid new (much) more costly problems.
We are not inventing anything by telling you that oil is essential for the proper functioning of your engine. When the oil levels are low or the oil is old and dirty, it increases friction between the metal parts which will eventually cause engine wear. Imperative when emptying your car , make it a habit to change the oil regularly according to the schedule recommended in the manufacturer's manual, generally every 4,000 to 8,000 kilometers.
When changing the oil, it is strongly recommended (not to say mandatory) to replace the oil filter. The purpose of the oil filter is to filter out dirt and oil particles, particles which could cause serious damage to your engine. Oil filters are generally inexpensive and depending on the model of your vehicle.
Oil is not the only liquid that optimizes the performance of your car. The good performance of your vehicle also depends on the transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and finally the coolant. From time to time, these fluids need to be changed or upgraded.
The air filter (not to be confused with the cabin filter) is there to protect your engine from dirt and impurities entering it. More generally, it is responsible for the good quality of the air-fuel mixture within the engine. In other words: it is very important! There are several indicators that allow you to detect an air filter in poor condition, but the 2 main ones are: dark exhaust smoke and / or lack of power during acceleration.
Your air filter should be replaced approximately every 20,000 kilometers. Over time, dust collects in the filter, and this can have a negative impact on your fuel consumption and even on engine performance.
Tires that are under inflated compared to the recommended pressure levels will significantly reduce your fuel consumption and the stability of your vehicle. You will find these indications either on the side of each tire, inside the driver's side door or simply in your manufacturer's manual. So remember to check the pressure of your tires .
We recommend that you check your tire pressure at least once a month, especially if you are going to take a long trip, such as going on vacation. In order to check your tire pressure, you can use a tire pressure gauge (or pressure gauge) for an exact measurement or just take a closer look at your tires to see if they show any visible signs of wear.
And yes, it is not often heard, but yet the dust and debris that are piled up on and inside your vehicle can cause accelerated wear and tear on your body. And in addition, it is not very beautiful. Wash and wax your car regularly to keep the exterior paintwork intact, and use suitable cleaning agents for the interior of your vehicle to protect it, which will prevent problems such as cracked leather or scratches.
The sun is another enemy of your car body that is often overlooked. Park your car in the shade or in covered places to avoid too rapid deterioration. This will even prevent problems like bleaching your interior fabrics.
One of the biggest causes of engine damage is that you force the car to drive while the engine is still cold. Start your car and take a few minutes (especially in winter) before you start to make sure your engine is warm and properly lubricated.
One word of advice: don't pretend to be the next Lewis Hamilton. Well, already because there is a good chance that you are not, and especially because it is the best way to reduce the life of your vehicle. Sudden stops and starts, high speeds and sharp turns will not make your car a gift and will severely test the vital parts of your vehicle.
This is the case with your clutch for example. When you are stopped at a stop sign or in front of a traffic light, do not use your clutch as a means of stopping the car. Use your brake pedal to apply your brake, To rest your clutch and keep it in constant pressure.
The above tips are practically applicable for all makes and models of cars, but your vehicle may have special needs. Take the time to read your maintenance manual and follow the maintenance schedules and advice it recommends.
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