Whether you just got a car or have been enjoying driving your pride and joy for a while now, car maintenance is crucial when it comes to helping your car last. As car owners, we all want our vehicles to last as long as possible without breaking the bank. Fortunately, there are 5 simple steps you can take to make your car last longer for less.
Replace spark plugs and leads
Spark plugs and leads are essential components of your car’s ignition system. Over time, they can become worn and damaged, leading to poor engine performance, reduced fuel efficiency, and even regular stalling. To avoid costly repairs and breakdowns you must replace your spark plugs and leads regularly. The frequency of replacement depends on the make and model of your car, but a good rule of thumb is every 30,000 miles or three years, whichever comes first. You can do this yourself or have a mechanic do it for you. Either way, it’s a relatively inexpensive task.
Maintain your battery
A dead battery can be a frustrating and costly problem, especially if you’re stranded in the middle of nowhere. To avoid this, it’s essential to maintain your battery regularly. First, make sure your battery terminals are clean and free of corrosion. You can do this with a wire brush and some baking soda and water. Second, check your battery’s fluid levels and top up with distilled water if necessary. Finally, test your battery’s voltage with a multimeter and replace it if it’s below 12.6 volts.
Check your tyres
Your tyres are the only point of contact between your car and the road, so it’s essential to keep them in good condition. Regularly checking your tyre pressure and tread depth can prevent punctures, blowouts, and poor handling. To check your tyre pressure, use a tyre pressure gauge and adjust as necessary according to your car’s recommended tyre pressure. To check your tyre tread depth, use a tread depth gauge or the “20p test.” Simply insert a 20p coin into the tread grooves, and if the outer band of the coin is visible, it’s time to replace your tyres
Top up your fluidsd
Your car relies on various fluids to run correctly, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid. Regularly checking and topping up these fluids can prevent costly damage to your car’s engine and other components. To check your oil level, use the dipstick provided in your engine compartment. To top up your oil, use the recommended oil type and pour it into the oil filler cap. Repeat until the oil level reaches the maximum mark on the dipstick.
Get a full car service
Finally, getting a full car service is an essential step in keeping your car running smoothly for years to come. A full car service involves a comprehensive check of your car’s engine, brakes, suspension, and other systems, as well as an oil change and other maintenance tasks. While a full car service can be more expensive than the other maintenance tasks on this list, it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind and to avoid costly repairs in the future.
