Regular car maintenance is probably the only thing you can do as a car owner to keep your car in good shape and save money on future expensive repairs. However, not everyone agrees on what preventive maintenance is, what you should do, and when you should do it.
Let's clarify this and give you some tips for any vehicle.
The primary care we have to take for our cars can include:
- Changing oils and filters
- Checking tire pressure
- Checking the level and concentration of antifreeze and brake fluid
- Seasonal replacement of consumables where necessary
Scheduling your vehicle for regular inspections of the chassis and engine can be akin to regular check-ups with a doctor. This will maintain your car's health and ensure a smooth ride in the long run. Preventive diagnosis can save you thousands of problems and money.
Electric car chargers
We start our list with electric cars because they are becoming more and more popular, which is great for our environment. Electric-powered cars are wildly different from combustion engine-powered cars. Believe it or not, the cost to maintain an electric car can be significantly cheaper than a traditional car.
One of the most important parts of an electric car is its battery and your ability to keep it charged up. While public charging points are becoming more common throughout the UK, nothing beats having the ability to charge your car at home.
Using the incorrect charging cable or charger can harm your electric car. As a result, you need to ensure you have chosen cables that are compatible with the make and model of your car. We found a great family-owned business that guarantees that you will receive personalised customer service if you have any questions. Their user-friendly website has drop-down menus that make choosing the correct products for your car a breeze. Check out Smartly selection of electric vehicle chargers and cables here.
Basic car user guide
Reading the car maintenance section of your owner's manual is very important.
There you will be able to get acquainted with the manufacturer's recommendations on what type of oil to use, how often to change it, and the appropriate times to change other consumables such as filters, spark plugs and belts.
If your car is still new and under warranty, the specialised services of the manufacturer will inform you about the above. But, if you do not have the opportunity to maintain your car with company service and are planning to visit the neighbourhood mechanic, it is good for you to know what you want, as small local repair shops do not always work with the manufacturer's suggested brands of spare parts for your car.
Tire maintenance and selecting suitable tyres
Many of us underestimate the importance of choosing and maintaining our car tires. The quality of the materials in the manufacture of the tire, as well as the correct choice of the tire in accordance with the speed index, load index and size, must correspond to the car for which they are purchased.
When choosing a tire with a certain speed index, the driving style of the car owner must be taken into account. Regarding the load index, the tonnage and carrying capacity of the car must also be factored in.
Non-compliance with each manufacturer's recommended dimensions can lead to increased fuel consumption, incorrect mileage reading, and serious technical problems in the differential and running gears.
Check the tire pressure regularly and always before a long journey as a soft tire can lead to serious accidents at the higher speeds that we use on motorways. Be Aware that tire pressure may need to be adjusted according to the season and if the car's full of passengers and luggage.
Pay attention to the accumulator
Check the accumulator and clean the terminals (if necessary). Most batteries do not require a special type of maintenance, but you must know where it is and check it from time to time to ensure that there is no build-up of oxidation and dirt on the terminals. If there is, it is good to clean them well by disconnecting the cables from the battery terminals. Also, spraying the terminals and cables is good if you have some kind of antioxidant. Reconnect the cables securely to the accumulator. Tighten the cables as any loosening of the cables can prevent your vehicle from starting.
Regular replacements of the engine air filter
In 90% of cases, changing the engine air filter can be performed by yourself with readily available tools. Usually, the air filter needs to be changed every 600 miles to ensure sufficient clean airflow to the engine.
Spark plugs replacement
Unlike filters, spark plugs need to be changed less frequently, every 80,000 - 100,000 miles. Some more expensive and better-quality brands/models need to be changed even less. If you feel like your var is suffering from uneven engine operation or has unusually high fuel consumption, one of the possible reasons is that you might need to replace the spark plugs.
Final thoughts,
We talked about some important car maintenance tasks you can do independently (if you feel confident enough). Sparing 30 minutes monthly to inspect your car's condition can save you money, time and headaches.