Cars are usually a big investment and one that we need to take care of so they have the longest life possible.
We get attached to our cars also. They take us the places we want to go, they give us refuge when we need some alone time. You may even have a name for your car!
Just like any relationships in life, you get back what you put in. You need to be showing your vehicle love in the way of maintaining it as needed, keeping it clean, and making sure it has things it needs when it needs them.
Here are 3 Ways to Show Your Car Some Love:
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Keep it Clean
Not only does the top of your car get dirty from the elements, but so does the bottom of your car and that is an area we often overlook. In the winter, road salt can damage your vehicle by eating away at its undercarriage. You want to make sure when you wash your car to have an undercarriage cleaning as well to get all that salt and dirt off.
You should wax your car at the beginning and end of each warm season. This will protect the paint and keep it looking its best.
Keep the interior clean and vacuumed. This includes the trunk as well.
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Maintenance
Maintaining your car is important for your safety and the longevity of your vehicle running smoothly.
Check the air pressure on each of your tires on a regular basis, especially when it’s cold out. Put air in if needed.
When tires are worn, you have less traction as your drive and that impairs your cars ability to handle the road which could be unsafe, especially in bad weather.
Rotate your tires regularly to ensure they wear evenly and maximize the life of the tire. This will save you money in the long run.
Windshield wipers are often not even thought about until there is an issue with them during a storm. Be sure to check them regularly and put new blades on if they appear to be wearing out.
Check your battery to make sure it is not corroded or showing any other signs of wear. Be sure the connections are secure and that the cover is in place and properly anchored.
If your battery is more than 2 years old, consider replacing it before you have to during an emergency.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture, and moisture in the brake system is lethal. Because it’s silent, you may never know the damage it’s causing until it’s too late. Replacing brake fluid regularly as well as brake pads and rotors can be a life saver in the future.
Check your belts and hoses to avoid engine issues. Failure of a belt or hose can cause your engine to overheat. It can also cause you to lose systems such as power steering and electrical systems.
Inspect belts for wear and tension. Inspect hoses for brittleness or cracking. Replace them right away if you see any of this occurring.
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Systems
You know oil changes are recommended, but do you realize the importance of them? This is a way to minimize the stress on your engine. When an engine runs, combustion by-products are produced and end up in the oil. These by-products reduce the ability of oil to lubricate the engine and increase the amount of wear on the engine.
You want to make sure to always replace the filter also as it keeps dirt and particles out of the combustion chamber, where they can be damaging.
The air filter is another filter we don’t often think about, but it ensures that dust and dirt from the air doesn’t contaminate your engine. If the filter is clogged or dirty, it can cause loss of power to the engine and could lower gas mileage as well.
Flushing your coolant system is important to avoid metal corrosion. This should be done every 2 years and replaced with new antifreeze of the right amount. Be sure to use the proper coolant mix, check the coolant reservoir monthly, and top it off as needed.
These 3 tips are easy to take care of and will keep your vehicle on the road much longer, give you more peace of mind that things will be running right when you need them to be, and your car will thank you by being at your service much longer than if you didn’t do these steps.
We would love to also help you with your auto insurance needs. If you would like to reach out to John Scott Insurance Agency, we can get you a quote or check your existing policy to make sure you are covered in the best way for you and your vehicle.