A car is a handy possession today — it adds convenience to your life and simplifies everyday errands. You can only continue enjoying such benefits when it’s running optimally. The only way to ensure that is to take care of your car and adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Unsurprisingly, some people expect more from their cars but don’t invest enough in maintenance and protection. As a result, they experience problems that could be avoided through regular car service and maintenance. Here is how to protect your car’s performance.
Use the Recommended Engine Oil
Car manufacturers make engine oil recommendations for a reason. They have engineered the engine to perform optimally with certain engine types and viscosities. Ensure you’re using the right engine oil every time you have an oil change to keep your engine well-lubricated.
Check your car manual to identify the manufacturer’s recommended engine oil. The right oil ensures adequate engine lubrication and protection based on the manufacturer’s specifications. Note that brands require you to use the recommended oil to meet the warranty requirements.
Maintain Your Car’s Fluid Level
There are six important fluids in your car: engine oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, coolant, windscreen washer fluid, and transmission fluid. The performance of your vehicle depends on the level of these fluids. For some fluids, a low level can damage other parts of the vehicle.
For instance, low engine oil and transmission fluid levels can increase wear and tear of internal parts. Low brake fluid results in poor braking, while low power steering fluid causes stiff steering. Check the levels of these fluids regularly and top up as needed.
Address All Dashboard Lights
Whenever there’s a problem with your car, you get dashboard warning lights. These alerts appear in the form of icons and a single light could be due to several reasons. You’ll need car diagnostics to pinpoint the exact trigger for the alert.
Some lights carry more weight than others, so you’ll need to stop your car and seek expert help. For instance, you shouldn’t ignore warning lights for coolant temperature, check engine, battery, brake, engine oil pressure, etc.
Conduct Regular Inspection
Depending on your driving conditions and frequency, it’s necessary to inspect your car once or twice a year. While dashboard lights alert you to car problems, they don’t cover everything. Some issues will need an expert eye to detect them.
A professional service usually offers a 30-point inspection covering batteries, wiper blades, dashboard lights, tires, brakes, oil, suspension, and more. They will also use a scanner like iCarsoft to check for hidden codes and errors. This inspection is important to extend the life of your car, maintain optimal performance, ensure safety, and identify potential problems.
Keep Your Car Clean
Cleaning your car is not all about aesthetics, it also improves performance, prevents costly tire repairs, and enhances visibility. Your tires collect different things and debris as a result of driving. When ignored, the particles can damage your tires, resulting in costly replacements.
Cleaning also ensures your side view mirrors, windows, and windscreen are spotlessly clean. Driving at night or during rain with dirty windows and mirrors poses a safety risk. Regular cleaning can remove water spots and improve visibility while driving.
Protect Your Car’s Performance
Owning a car offers convenience, but it also entails a lot of responsibilities to maintain its performance and protect your investment. Ignoring or overlooking these responsibilities can result in costly repairs, loss of value, and poor performance.
If you want your car to be reliable, you’ll need to be consistent in maintenance and service. Don’t ignore the warning lights or strange sounds from the engine bay, tires, and axle. Also, find a good auto repair service for your car.
