Apr 07 2020

6 Vehicle Maintenance of the Vehicle to Keep it Working Longer

 

Cars don't last forever - it's sad, but it's reality. But we all know someone who owns an old vehicle with many miles on it and continues to operate year after year. How do they do? The truth is simple, proper maintenance of a car allows it to be used much longer.

 

1. Don't Overload Your Vehicle:

We've all been there, filling up the car for a road trip or going on vacation and ending up piling up bags, bikes, camping gear and all the things you might need. Overweight is one of the most common mistakes when it comes to maintaining your vehicle. In addition to increasing fuel consumption (which makes you spend money unnecessarily), it can destabilize the vehicle and put pressure on the suspensions, clutch, and engine, which can lead to overheating.

 

2. Respect the revision schedule:

Owning a car involves much more than just driving. In order to keep your vehicle in good condition and working perfectly, it is important to follow the maintenance schedule. Many moving parts need to be lubricated regularly and changed periodically. If an automobile manufacturer mentions a service after 10,000 km or 1 year, be sure to follow these instructions. Even a small thing, like forgetting to change the oil, can impact the health of your vehicle, not to mention that a small problem in one part of the vehicle can lead to a more serious problem elsewhere. By following a regular review schedule and paying attention to small details, you can prevent larger problems from occurring.

 

3. Alternate your tires:

The tires at the front of the vehicle often wear out faster than those at the rear. By alternating the position of your tires periodically, you can help prevent irregular wear and thus extend the life of your tires. But when should you do it? In general, it is recommended to change the tires on your car every six months or after 10,000 km. You must, therefore, remove each tire and reinstall them in a different position.

There is an appropriate method of alternating your tires depending on your car: for example, with a four-wheel-drive vehicle, you must change the right front tire with the one at the rear left and the one at the front left with the tire on the rear right. Remember to check what you need to do depending on your vehicle or contact a mechanic if in doubt.

Also, pay attention to the health of your tires. Under-inflated tires can have a huge impact on fuel consumption and can shorten their life. Check your tire pressure from time to time when refueling and carry an emergency tire repair kit, such as Puncture Repair, which will allow you to get back on the road if your tires puncture.

 

4. Pay attention to the liquids in your car:

To extend the life of your car, it is vital to fill and check fluids regularly. Consult the owner’s manual to find out how often they should be replaced and be sure to always refuel and revise them regularly. Here are the main liquids you should watch for:

1. Engine oil: If the oil level is low, add more according to the recommendations in the user manual, but be careful not to add too much.
2. Coolant: If the fluid is below the minimum line, fill the tank with a 50/50 mixture of water and antifreeze.
3. Brake Fluid - Refuel if the level is low, but have the system checked as there may be a leak or the brake pads may wear.
4. Windshield cleaning fluid: Make sure it is full. It is important that your windshield is constantly clean, especially if you have the sun in front of you; we advise you to use a quality windshield washer.

If you are not sure or if something seems out of the ordinary, then ask your mechanic to take a look. It is better to deal with a problem as soon as possible rather than waiting for something to happen on the road.

 

5. Check your battery:

Most car owners only look at their battery in the event that the vehicle does not start, but prevention is better than cure. Fortunately, corrosion is easy to notice if the battery, it often accumulates in the form of a white crust on the exposed metal parts above the battery and on the cables that connect it. It is easy to solve this problem at a low cost. Start by disconnecting the battery (starting with the negative side, usually black), then use a mixture of baking soda and distilled water with an old toothbrush to scrape the acid and dirt from the terminals, fixings, and cables. The mixture will neutralize the acid and facilitate the cleaning of the terminals.

 

6. Check your air conditioning:

Spring may still seem light-years away, but it's good to maintain your air conditioner now. In addition to the obvious benefits, your air conditioner improves fuel efficiency and cools the air conditioner compressor. On cold winter days, turn on your air conditioner to produce air and quickly remove fog from the windshield. Turning on the air conditioner in winter also ensures that the system does not lock up and that it will continue to operate properly when temperatures begin to rise. In addition, we recommend that you use the Air Conditioner Cleaner regularly to keep the interior cool.