With rising inflation rates and extremely high costs of living, if your car decides to break down, it can completely shatter your budget. In order to prevent a mini heart attack in the middle of the month, there are tips you can use to make sure your vehicle has a longer life span.
1. Go for Reputable Gas Stations
You might find cheaper rates at a desolate pump nearby; however, in the long run, it’s going to wreck your car. Whenever you go to a gas station, ask the people working there if they have pump filters and whether they regularly change them. Chances are, if they don’t know what you’re talking about, then they don’t have one.
2. Call a Tow Truck if You’re Stuck
When your precious vehicle gets stuck in the snow, you might be changing gears multiple times to wiggle your way out. If it’s not working, simply call a tow truck because your tires spinning at high speeds and numerous gear shifts in a short period will generate a ton of heat, all of which can be detrimental to your transmissions, clutches, and differentials.
3. Say No to Heavy Keychains
While this might sound bizarre, it’s actually essential not to have hefty keychains that bog the actual key down in the ignition. The sheer weight coupled with movement when you’re driving can result in ignition failure, as the tumblers inside will wear down.
4. Insurance Is Mandatory
The first thing to do when you buy a new car is to get it insured. Even if you’re one of the most impressive drivers who’s never had an accident, insurance is crucial because you never know what might happen at any given time. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
5. Store Your Car Properly
Let’s say you’re going on a holiday and you leave your car behind without proper storage. Chances are there might be unwanted damages and repairs waiting for you when you come back. Some tips for proper preservation include placing the vehicle on jack stands to relieve pressure on the tires, disconnecting the battery to prevent drainage, and waxing your car to protect the finish.
6. Park in the Shade
Just like your skin needs protection from UV, your car also needs the same thing. If you don’t have a garage, make sure to find a nice spot with lots of shade to avoid any damage. Sometimes, birds can dirty your car, so you can use a car shade to minimize that as much as possible.
7. Regularly Clean the Inside
As important as it is to keep your car clean from the outside, it’s equally vital for it to be clean on the inside as well. Things like soda can be corrosive and lead to permanent damage, so it’s better to take a sponge and clean it out. Vacuuming also helps remove dirt and crumbs from the inside.
8. Don’t Use Oil for Window Seals
Oil might seem like a friendly solution for cleaning and maintenance, but never use it for your window seals because it will damage the rubber. Instead of going for oil-based products, you can use silicone or rubber protectants that will not only get the job done but will also prevent doors from sticking to the rubber seal in the winter.
9. Prevent Drying Leather
While leather is generally very durable, it can get tons of stains, which might reduce its lifespan. In order to make it last as long as possible, make sure to use a leather protectant that also has conditioners in it. This will make your seats more supple and fresh.
10. Touch up Scrapes
It might seem like a small, insignificant paint chip; however, the longer you leave it, the more likely it will be for rust to form. If you want to keep that from happening, be sure to keep some car paint to cover it up as soon as you can.
11. Save That Cracked Tail Light
Accidents happen, and the cost of getting your car patched up might be too high to fit into your monthly budget. In order to save that cracked tail light, you should use tape. It will prevent water from accumulating inside, which would otherwise be dangerous for the vehicle.
12. Washer Fluid
Using water in your windshield reservoir might be the norm. However, there are more efficient ways that can help clean up that window way faster without the hazard of water freezing inside the tank. Using washer fluid will minimize the risks and increase the rewards.
13. Don’t Exceed the Weight Limit
To check how much weight your car can handle, you should consult the manual just to be safe. It might be easier to load everything up and call it a day; however, it might cause wear and tear that you simply don’t want. You can save your vehicle by getting stuff delivered instead.
14. Inspect Your Mud Guards
Mud guards are essential components that should be regularly checked. They basically prevent water from going up into the engine, which can damage the circuitry. As a rule of thumb, whenever you wash your car, check if they’re dirty and replace them when needed.
15. Wax Your Vehicle
To protect the paint on your car, you need to use wax after washing it. It prevents oxidation by acting as a barrier. You can use a microfiber cloth to apply a thin coating to the surface, and it’s best to avoid liquid and spray-based products.