A number of factors, when left alone, can take years off your car’s life and rob you of good, hassle-free driving experiences and, naturally, savings. Neglecting to keep your car clean, especially in winter or rainy weather, or leaving your car out in the heat of the sun without any form of protection—habits like these can result in costly problems that could have been easily avoided.
If you know you’ve been remiss when it comes to your car’s maintenance, back up. Take stock of the potential damage, and start adopting healthy habits—right now—that can add years to your car’s life and keep it looking new.
Here are 7 habits to start with:
1. Regularly and thoroughly wash your car.
A thorough regular washing will not only keep your car looking shiny and new, it will also remove any contaminants (e.g., grime, dust, mud), especially those that stick to the underside, that can cause corrosion.
If you’re doing the washing yourself, use a soap that won’t be harsh on your paint, and always use a different rag when cleaning your wheels to refrain from transferring brake dust into the surface.
2. Properly dry your car.
When DIY-ing your carwash, always follow up with a good drying tool that acts like a sponge and draws water away from your car’s paint.
While the sun can certainly dry your newly washed car, it won’t wipe away the minerals or dirt in the water droplets that cling to your car’s paint, and they will remain there after the water has evaporated. Residues of dirt and grit can damage your paint job and leave it looking dull and faded.
3. Remove any splotches at once.
Remove splotches like bird droppings and tree saps before they dry and set and are a hard to get off. In addition to making your car look dirty, they can cause chemical-based damage to your paint job, thanks to the acids they contain, which can break down your car’s paint. Gently scrubbing these splotches off using a rag or mitt with mild soap and water is all it takes to save yourself the trouble of dealing with a damaged finish.
4. Always keep an eye out for potholes.
Being aware of an oncoming pothole means you can give yourself time to properly avoid it rather than swerve. When you swerve, you put your vehicle at great risk and will likely find yourself needing a wheel alignment, tire replacements, and suspension repairs.
5. Avoid speeding.
Traffic violations and the danger of accidents aside, speeding means that when you do need to make an unplanned stop, you will need to brake hard and abruptly. Doing that can wear out your brakes much faster, causing needless damage to discs and calipers.
6. Watch those fluid levels.
Maintenance of your car’s fluid levels is vital to ensure that it’s always able to perform its essential functions.
Fuel
A full tank keeps grits away, which could choke your fuel filter and keep your fuel pump from performing at its best.
Engine oil
Replace your engine oil about every six months, while checking its level at least once a month, making sure that the oil is homogenous and smooth. Oil that’s dark and gritty calls for a much-needed oil change.
Transmission fluid.
Make sure your gears are moving smoothly by checking your transmission fluid level as often as possible (refer to the owner’s manual to make sure you have the maintenance schedule right). In the case of transmission fluid, your focus should be more on quality—that is, brown or burnt-smelling fluid is your cue to replace it.
Coolant/antifreeze
Check your coolant level at least twice a year to ensure your vehicle is never at risk of overheating. Just remember that your car should be cool when you check your coolant. As well, make sure you don’t cross fluid types, which can harm your vehicle’s system (refer to the owner’s manual for the recommended type of coolant for your vehicle).
Brake fluid
Regularly checking your brake fluid is a routine that helps ensure proper brake performance. The fluid usually needs to be replaced every two years, but anytime the fluid looks cloudy or gritty, replace it at once.
Power steering fluid
Rather than replace this fluid, just top it off as needed. A “creaking” in your steering wheel or any unusual sounds are often a cue that you’re low on power steering fluid. Check the levels every month and consult the owner’s manual to ensure you’re using the recommended type of fluid. Note that being constantly low on power steering fluid could mean you have a leak, so have your vehicle checked at once.
7. Replace your tires as soon as it’s time to.
Avoid tire blowouts by getting a new set as soon as your tires start to crack or “go bald.” A timely tire replacement helps ensure the proper alignment of your suspension and brake module. Remember that improperly inflated tires wastes fuel and will cause your tire tread to wear down. Make sure to do your tire maintenance check at least once a month.
Car repairs can get costlier the less time and effort you invest in maintenance. So adopt healthy habits that help you get great value from your car ownership experience—both in terms of driving and savings.
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