It’s in your power (or your mechanics!) to prolong the life of your vehicle and maintain its value.
Change the Air Filter
If your air filter is clogged your engine is not performing properly. This can hurt your fuel economy and harm the engine over the long term. A filter should be replaced before it reaches the point where it creates a significant restriction to airflow.
Get Regular Checkups and Oil Changes
It’s important to find a shop you trust; a good mechanic or oil change technician will get to know your car and your driving habits. Just as you would see the same doctor each time for a check up, so should your car.
Take a Look for Yourself
Take time to inspect your own car every now and then by walking around it. Look to see if the tires are wearing evenly, where rust may be developing and that all lights are in good working order.
Check Tire Pressure
Tires can be one of the most neglected parts of a car. Keeping them at the proper inflation pressure will increase their lifespan, improve fuel economy and help keep you safe on the road. According to Transport Canada, the maximum tire pressure marked on the tire sidewall refers to the pressure required to carry the maximum load of the tire, and is generally not the same as the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure for your vehicle. To find the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle’s tires, refer to the information label, which is usually located on the edge of the driver’s door. If you can’t find the information label, check your owner’s manual.
Maintain the Cooling System
The cooling system of most new car models are composed of the radiator and its fan, the water pump, thermostat and sensors, as well as the fluids. These components work as a team to reduce and maintain the engine’s heat level at tolerable rates. A cooling system failure can result in your engine literally melting down. The primary job of the cooling system is to keep the engine from overheating and to allow the engine to heat up as quickly as possible, and then to keep the engine at a constant temperature.
Pay Attention to the Gauges
If there is a problem with your oil pressure, cooling system or even tire pressure, gauges on newer vehicles will let you know. Pay attention to these signals and follow up with proper maintenance before it’s too late.
Stick to a Schedule
Another advantage of using the same shop on a regular basis is that they will ensure you adhere to a proper car maintenance schedule. The scheduled maintenance charts in owner’s manuals tell only part of the story so it’s also a benefit to have a relationship with a service technician who knows your vehicle and when to perform services in addition to what’s in the owner’s manual.
Clean Your Machine
Take care of the exterior of your car with regular washing and waxing, if appropriate. And don’t forget about the interior too! Spend time keeping it clean and clean-smelling without perfuming it, and vacuum the carpet on a regular basis. Get spills out immediately or they can be difficult to remove.
Cover it Up
Storing your car in a garage or carport will help protect it from pollen, cat prints, uv rays, bugs and a myriad of other particles. Not to mention it’s less likely to be vandalized.
Drive Lightly
Having good driving habits lessens wear and tear and helps with fuel economy. For example, taking off quickly and coming to an abrupt stop can be harmful to the engine and brakes.