5 Ways to Show Your Vehicle Some Love

Owning a vehicle is a huge responsibility. A vehicle requires a lot of attention and care. Ignoring warning signs for care can spell financial trouble later on. Here are five ways you can show your vehicle some love and keep it running smoothly.

1. Check your engine oil

Check your engine oil monthly to maintain the correct oil levels and avoid costly engine repairs. Here are a few tips to conduct an oil check on your own.

● Ensure that the car is parked on level ground.
● Turn on the engine and leave it on for a little while and then switch it off.
● Pull the dipstick out and wipe it with a paper towel while the engine is warm. Place the dipstick back into the engine fully because a false reading will be given if it is not inserted properly.
● Remove the dipstick and inspect the oil level. The level should be between the low and high markings. Place more oil in the engine if the oil level is too low, but check your manual to ensure you have the correct oil grade.

2. Clean Your Vehicle

Has your car become a catch-all for random things you’ve accumulated while on the road? A tip for maintaining a clean car is to write a list of what you want in the car. This list will help you to decide what you want in your car and what you need to dispose of.

While travelling long distances you may be challenged with accessing garbage disposals. In such an event you may have garbage in the vehicle. One quick fix to this issue is to have a designated small garbage bag in the car that you’ll get rid of at the end of your trip.

Another part of keeping your car clean is remembering to wash the exterior. You may decide to carry it to your local car wash or wash it on your own but it is recommended that under normal circumstances you wash your vehicle every two weeks. A more frequent wash may be necessary if you regularly travel on dirt roads.

3. Inspect the tyres

Do weekly inspections for your tyres. Beware of signs of bulging, cuts and tears of the tyre wall. Anything that you observe is unusual, you may need to contact your local garage.

Tyres that are underinflated can cause poor handling, overheating and even a blowout of the tyres. Be very attentive by ensuring that your tyres are inflated and at the correct pressure.

4. Replace Your Windshield Wipers

Replacing old windshield wipers with new ones is one of the simplest ways to take care of your vehicle. As time goes by the wipers will wear due to use and weather conditions. This will result in cracks, which will prevent the wiper from being fully functional.

When this happens visit your nearest hardware or automotive store for replacements.

5. Practice good driving habits

Good driving habits can affect how long you will have a vehicle. As such, follow the traffic laws and avoid aggressive driving behaviours.

Other good habits include avoiding car distractions, using turn signals, always wearing your seatbelt, avoiding driving too close to other vehicles and never driving under the influence.

Always show your vehicle some love by spending time taking care of it. Use these steps to protect your vehicle from excessive wear.