For many of us, buying a car is a big investment that requires a lot of thought. Of course, the cost is probably the most important aspect to it, but you will also have to think about the car model, whether you want to buy a new or a used car, or how much space you will need in the car. Once you find your ideal car, whether it’s a brand new vehicle or a reliable used car like a BMW, you’ll need to know how to properly care for it, so that it can last for a long time. Here are a few basic tips to get you started on How to Care For Your Car.
Care For Your Car and Check Tire Pressure
To understand the importance of tyres, just think that they are the only point of contact between the car and the road. That’s why it’s vital that you pay attention to the condition of your car tyres and their pressure. See your car’s handbook for the optimum tyre pressures for your vehicle, and check your tyre pressure at least monthly and before any long drives.
Over or under-inflated tyres will not only increase your risk of a puncture and reduce the longevity of your tyres but can also be a safety risk, as improperly inflated tyres affect handling and can also impact braking distances.
Lubricate Hinges
Over time, your car’s door hinges can begin to stick as they dry out with use. This can lead to car doors that stick or creak or a boot or bonnet that is too stiff to open. If dry door hinges aren’t remedied, they can even break altogether! The good news is that this is entirely preventable by working a little lubricating oil into the moving parts of the hinge.
Change the Oil and Care For Your Car
One of the most import parts to Care For Your Car is you should check your car’s engine oil every two weeks. This is an easy job that involves lifting your car bonnet and removing the dipstick to check the levels. Your oil level needs to sit between the maximum and minimum marker and should be a yellow-brown colour. If your oil level is low, it needs to be topped up, and if it’s dark or dirty, it will need to be replaced.
Engine oil should also be changed as part of your regular car servicing schedule, ideally every 5,000 to 10,000 miles or twice yearly. This is key to keeping your car in tip-top condition, as oil acts as a lubricant that helps keep your engine running smoothly, which increases its lifespan and improves performance.
Change the Air Filter
Your car’s air filter prevents dirt, dust and debris from reaching your car’s engine. A dirty, clogged air filter will prevent clean air from circulating to your engine, which will reduce your car’s efficiency and can even lead to engine damage over time.
That’s why it’s recommended that you change your air filter annually or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. Changing your engine air filter is a straightforward, inexpensive job and you can have it included in your car’s annual service or do it yourself at home as part of your regular car maintenance.
Wash Your Car
People assume that keeping your car clean is a purely cosmetic consideration, but in truth, a clean, well-kept car will last longer than one that isn’t regularly washed. This is because dirt, grime and debris from the road can gradually erode the exposed areas of your car, including the paint, bodywork and underneath of the car. You can learn more to get an idea of all the benefits of car washing.
You should aim to clean your car every two weeks, but you may need to wash more frequently depending on weather conditions and where your car is parked. For example, bird droppings are damaging to paintwork and should be cleaned off as soon as possible. Likewise, road salt is particularly corrosive, so if you live in an area where the roads are frequently gritted for bad weather, this is something to bear in mind.
