Car TLC: Simple Steps to Keep Your Car Running Like New

Caring for Your Car

Buying a car is not a challenge these days with a wide variety of options, easy financing and purchasing capacity of people. Something that everyone needs to prioritize is taking care of the car and maintaining its health for smooth and efficient performance.

Apart from taking the car for servicing, there are many things a car owner must keep in mind while using a car. There are several things a car owner can do himself and not depend on a mechanic – or rather, there are a few things that can help the user identify faults in the car. Read on to learn more.

What to Keep in Mind!

Engine Oil

Engine oil is one of the most essential components in a car. It plays a vital role in the smooth running of the vehicle. It is responsible for the maintenance of the engine inside the car.

You must use the right kind of engine oil depending on your vehicle and ensure timely changing of the same for smooth functioning of the engine.

Engine oil aids in lubrication, cooling, and cleansing of your car’s engine, adding life to the overall performance of the vehicle.

Inappropriate maintenance of the engine will result in increased friction between the important parts, increased wear and tear, lesser mileage, and unscheduled services and faults. Therefore, it is crucial to know and use the manufacturer’s recommendations in terms of the engine oil as per the user manual for your vehicle.

Spare Tyre

The stepney, as we famously know, is the spare tyre in your car. It is as good as an oxygen cylinder for the car! The reason is, if the running tyre of your car suddenly has a puncture, you can change it with the spare tyre. Also, along with knowing where the spare tyre is kept, it is necessary that you know the basics of changing a tyre and how to use the tools that are used to change the tyre – this will come in handy if you are stranded somewhere by yourself and cannot figure out a mechanic shed to get it done. The spare wheels must be kept in proper shape and condition for them to be useful to you at any time.

Windshield Wiper Blades

Windshield wiper blades are crucial parts of your vehicle that must be changed before the monsoon season. Improper wiper blades must be changed from time to time as they can pose a serious threat when you take the car out in the rain. If you do not get the blades changed or cleaned now and then, it can tamper with the windshield viewing quality.

Tyre Air Pressure

Major wear and tear in the car occurs due to not maintaining the right air pressure in the tyres of the vehicle. Despite the powerful engine, a car runs smoothly because of its wheels and taking care of the right air pressure in the tyres makes a lot of difference in the performance of the car.

Well, when thinking of maintenance of the tyres, some people think it's enough to simply inflate the tyres every time they put fuel. That’s not right. Overinflation and underinflation, both are bad for your tyres. Overinflation gives you a bumpy driving experience with higher stress on the suspension components, whereas, underinflation leads to low-powered performance, stress on the engine, higher fuel consumption and bigger wear and tear issues.

Emergency Kit

What is an emergency kit in your car and why is it important? Well, you never know when you might need the components inside an emergency kit in your car! Your car can break down anywhere anytime and hence you must be aware of the emergency kit and everything that’s inside of it.

Here is what is indie an emergency kit:

• First Aid Kit
• Fire Extinguisher
• Jumper Cables
• Utility Tool
• Raincoat
• Umbrella
• Reflective Warning Triangle
• Tire Gauge
• Gloves
• Rags
• Duct Tape
• Foam Tire Sealant
• Torch
• Extra Batteries
• Tow Rope
• Warm Blanket

Headlights and Tail Lights

While driving in the night, the headlights and the tail lights of the car help in the visibility of the roads. It is therefore very important that you take care of them. Over time, the bulbs of the lights dim and must be changed. Inspect them regularly and change them if need be.

Battery

The battery of your car is one of the core components for the very functioning of it. Therefore, it is necessary to get it checked and maintained every time you give your car for service. Usually, the life of your car battery should last for at least three years. However, maintenance of the same must be done from time to time. All you have to do is get it charged if it loses its power.

What are the Vehicle Fluids You Must Know Of?

Car-Fluid

When you own a car, you will realize that it is not just engine oil that you must keep a check on – other vehicle fluids need your TLC as well. These fluids must be checked and maintained to keep the functioning of the car smooth.

5 Essential Fluids in Your Car

• Engine Oil
• Coolant
• Brake fluid
• Windshield wash fluid

Wrapping Up

Understanding your car and taking care of each of its components is the basics of driving a car. You must know how to take note of the smallest details of the car to find faults before they become too serious an issue. If you keep in mind all the above-mentioned elements and techniques, you will be able to handle driving a car hassle-free!