Basic Car Care Tips for New Owners

Buying a new car comes with a lot of responsibility. Your shiny new ride won’t last long if you don’t take proper care of it. Here are several tips that will help you take great care of your new vehicle:

Learn to Change the Engine Oil Properly

Changing engine oil is important for keeping your vehicle in the best shape. How frequently you need to change the oil depends on the model you drive. Refer to the owner’s manual for the exact specifications on the schedule. While you are at it, check out the type of engine oil your car needs. You will have to pay attention to the season and viscosity when you choose an engine oil for your vehicle.

Maintain the Air Pressure in Tyres

Not only is it extremely dangerous, it also wastes fuel to drive with under-inflated or over-inflated tyres. Making sure the car’s tyres are properly inflated is one of the most crucial car care tasks drivers undertake. You can physically check the tyre pressure by using a gauge or just pressing at the rubber with your hands. A more accurate measure is to just buy a tyre pressure monitor, which can automatically provide you with highly accurate data on the pressure inside the tyres.

Wash Your Car Once a Week

Unless it’s the winter, do wash your car once a week or as possible to keep the exterior clean and neat. Dust and grime from the road can accumulate on the delicate paint and the tiny grooves and cause problems. Therefore, use a gentle car wash soap and a cloth to get your car clean. A complete washing sessions would include waxing and detailing the car as well.

Check the Spark Plugs

The spark plug is the part of the car that delivers an electric signal that fires up the ignition and makes the car start up. Spark plugs should be replaced typically every 50,000 km. the frequency may slightly change for the exact model of your vehicle. This is a neglected part of the car that new owners may overlook. Making sure the spark plugs are in tip top shape will make your car start on time every day.

Replace the Air Filter on Time

The air filter of the vehicle can easily accumulate dust and greasy grime. Without this part, your engine can overheat and the car air conditioning system may not work as you like. Air filters can be cleaned in some models, but it’s recommended to replace old air filters every 12 months (or as the owner’s manual recommends). The process is really easy and takes only about 10 minutes.

Flush the Radiator

The radiator can end up getting clogged with deposits with use overtime. You should flush the radiator with the right cleaning solution at least every 2 years, or as recommended by the auto maker. You can easily do this at home and prevent a world of engine troubles in the future.

Last but not least, don’t forget to vacuum the interiors, especially the floor mats. With the above tips, you should be able to cover the basics of keeping your car in the best shape possible.

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