5 ways to keep your car in good condition

Cars naturally become worn out over time. Keeping your car in good condition requires a number of steps. In order to maintain your car and its value, several preventive measures need to be taken . If you do decide to sell your vehicle in the future, follow the steps below which will ensure you get a price that is to your liking.

1. Follow your vehicle service schedule

It may seem simple, but people often forget to consistently maintain their vehicle in accordance to the schedule that is suggested by the vehicle manufacturer. The dealership where you made the purchase may also give guidelines, but it is best to follow the owner’s manual as the makers of the car will know best how to look after it. It is inexcusable to not maintain a relatively new car as they have oil life monitoring systems which inform the driver when it’s time for a check-up.

2. Check fluids and tire pressure regularly

This is a task that takes less time, but has a big impact. The most important engine fluid to check is the oil. Other fluids that you should keep in mind are the power steering fluid, the transmission fluid level, the radiator overflow reservoir level and brake cylinder reservoir. Be sure to check the hoses and belts for any signs of wear or potential failure. Finally, check the tire pressure and relate this to the owner’s manual. Ideally, this should be done every week, but in reality a monthly check should suffice.

3. Go easy during start-up

A cold engine, which is one that has been left for more than 5 hours, will have little or no oil left on the car’s moving parts. When the car cools, the oil seeps into the oil pan. It only takes a couple of seconds after start up for the oil pump to adequately lubricate an engine. However, during those few seconds, you should keep the engine rpm as low as possible. Give the engine at least 30 seconds before putting it into gear and driving off. If the engine has been inactive for more than 24 hours, then give this process a little more time.

4. Listen for odd noises

Every so often, keep the noise in the car to a minimum so that the only thing you can hear is the car’s engine. This includes turning off things such as the radio, music or satellite navigation systems. Doing so will allow you to listen for unusual noises. Any clicking or grinding sounds should be attended to as quickly as possible as they may turn out to be a serious problem in the future.

5. Drive calmly

People are often too hasty when they drive. A key to car maintenance for life is to adopt a caring attitude with the pedals. Do not break so harshly and do not be so hard on the gas. Car parts and functions will become worn with time; this is a part of the natural life cycle of your motor. However, do not panic in the event of a breakdown. In most cases, it will always be cheaper to fix your car rather than buying a new one.