Tips On Servicing & Maintaining Your Car

Having a car of your own has turned out to be more of a necessity today than a luxury. You have the freedom of going anywhere you want, at any time of the day, comfortably and conveniently. However, if you want this to go on for long without having to pay regular visits to the mechanic workshop in, you will have to maintain your car.

If you have ever paid lots of money to fix your car, you would know the ill-effects of not maintaining your vehicle properly. Before you start regretting, here are a few tips to help you maintain your car in top shape and prevent minor issues from becoming bigger:

• Always Follow the manual.
No matter what car you buy, it always comes with a manual. There is a reason behind this. It is the manual that tells you how to extend the life of your car without spending on repairs. This booklet given by the manufacturer of your car should be your bible whenever you use your car. After all who can understand your car better than the manufacturer.

Although the symptoms of the problems may be the same in all cars, the solutions differ from brand to brand, model to model. It doesn’t matter what your garage expert tells you. It is always better to follow what your manufacturer says. It is your manual that will tell you about the proper grade of fuel to use, the right color and levels of fluids, the oil change, and the servicing of your vehicle. So the rule number one is to follow the manual.

• Keep your ears open while you drive your car.
Not every car owner is an expert in cars. But if he is observant, he can spot anything that is out of ordinary. It could be a scratch by the door, or a flat, swollen or bent tire. So the idea is to be aware and listen to your car carefully. This way you can spot the faults before they escalate into major repairs. A lousy tire if unattended can damage the rims and suspensions of your car. A worn out wiper has the power to damage your windscreen if left undetected. It is not rocket science. Listening to your car is like listening to your body. You know you are going to fall sick when you sneeze repeatedly. You take precautions to prevent sickness. It is just the same as your car. Watch out for those signs, which could come as a shake or a noise; something could be wrong somewhere.

• Make it a point to check under the hood.
In the bonnet is where you will find the most critical parts of your car – the belts, the hoses, the battery, the fluids. You need to keep an eye on all of them, regularly. The levels of fluids have a lot to do with the efficient running of your car. Most fluids come with dipsticks, and so it won’t be difficult for you to figure out if a particular fluid has gone below the recommended level. Checking oil levels regularly ensures the overall health of your engine. Any wears and tears along the belt edges can cause damage if left unattended. You need not do a mechanic’s course for this; you will get all the information you want right there in your manual.

• Find a Go-To Professional.
You brush your teeth every day, yet you do go to the dentist for a checkup now and then. It is the same with your car. You need a pro to service your car regularly, so you know there is nothing wrong. There are many things that your eyes and ears may not be able to spot out. Only a pro can identify them. Find a well-recommended mechanic and keep him on standby. You needed to spend less time looking for one, in case of an emergency. You want to make sure minor problems get discovered before they escalate to major ones. All that is required of you is to maintain good relations with a good mechanic whom you can trust.

• Clean your car regularly.
Dirt in vents, sand on the floor, food wrappings – all of these can reduce the lifespan of your car. If you live in the coastal area, there are chances of your body paint getting corroded by the salt in the air, especially if you are not washing and waxing your car regularly. If you have been leaving your car parked under a tree or in an old garage, you may want to do something about it, unless you are okay with bird droppings falling on your car or insects and rodents finding a haven in your car. Even a bug infested car can be saved with quick action.

• Practice good driving habits.
The way you drive your car has a lot to do with the health of your car. You would have been taught by your driving instructor about the best driving practices to follow. In case you don’t remember those instructions you can refer to the manual or do some research on the net. Don’t accelerate or brake too quickly. Be wary about potholes. Always obey the speed limits and the traffic laws. Even if you can’t extend the life of your car, you can at least prevent some severe repairs by adopting safe driving practices.

No matter how well you maintain and drive your car, if luck is not in your favor, accidents can happen. And when they do you will have to spend big money on your car repairs. The best solution to this is to get an extended auto warranty. This will cover the major systems and parts of your car, giving you the peace of mind that you deserve.

It is not that hard to find an auto warranty provider for your car. Many such providers may themselves contact you via auto warranty leads. Do your homework correctly and read the contract before you sign it up with them.

To make sure that your car will maintain its excellent performance and last longer, it’s vital that you regularly perform primary maintenance duties. If you lack the time or the tools needed, then don’t hesitate to let a car mechanic do the job.