Being a home and vehicle owner means we will have to maintain these properties if we want them to keep running for a long time. Our ownership doesn’t end with the purchase; the moment we have the keys in our hands, it means it’s up to us to take care of these earthly belongings if we want them to be in good condition for many years and even decades.
Especially at a time when climate change worsens every year, and we never know what Mother Nature has up her sleeve. We need to foresee the kinds of extreme conditions our cars will have to endure and find ways to mitigate the damage that our vehicles might incur. Here are some tips and pointers to keep your car healthy and protected all-year-round, no matter the season or weather.
Warmer months
- Don’t park your car in direct sunlight. Extreme heat can strain your vehicle’s battery, tires, and radiator coolant. Sunshades can be a good alternative if you really can’t find a parking spot in the shade.
- Inspect your car’s cooling system and make sure it’s in a good state by checking its coolant and the belts.
Wet conditions
- Take your car to the experts after a terrible storm. Rain and hail storms are particularly damaging for cars’ exteriors, so take it to rain and hail damage repair experts to fix stains and dents and maintain your car’s value.
- Be proactive by washing and waxing. It helps to create a barrier between your car’s exterior and the harsh elements.
- Seal the openings. Water damage is detrimental to vehicle interiors, so make sure no water can seep through during the rainy season.
Colder months
- Inspect the tires. When cooler temperatures hit, it can mess with the pressure of your car’s tires, which can then cause accidents in a blizzard.
- Fix the windshield cracks. It’s prudent to fix any cracks your cars might have because it will get worse in winter.
- Ensure the battery is in perfect health before cooler months hit to make sure it doesn’t give out.
Regular maintenance
These are the routine check-ups you need to do to ensure that your car is in good working condition, no matter the time of the year.
- Change the oil regularly. This is a key part of maintaining the engine’s good running condition. Check on your oil every month and change it per the instructions from your car’s manual. You can opt to change the oil yourself, or you can take your car to the service center. But if you choose the DIY route, make sure you follow the proper steps and know which motor oil is the most ideal for your car.
- Inspect the fluids: the coolant, engine oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid. If any of these fluids have leaks, it will negatively impact the way your car runs.
- Make sure all the lights are working properly. A burnt out or broken bulb can cause accidents or get you a ticket. Make sure all your lights are running at all times so that you can have it replaced or fixed by an expert.
- Replace the windshield wipers when they’re not working properly anymore. Worn out or damaged wiper blades can decrease your visibility during a snowstorm or heavy rain.
- Clear the engine air filter. When your engine air filter is dirty, it might cause dust and other harmful particles to enter your vehicle’s engine and decrease its efficiency. Check your car’s air filter at least once a year and have it replaced when necessary.
- Double-check the brakes. Observe the brakes for noises, and focus on the vibrating or shuddering from the brake pedal. Your vehicle’s brake pads need constant inspection so that you can have it checked by experts if a need arises.
- Wash your car thoroughly. Dirt, debris, and bird droppings are not only unsightly; they can also cause damage to the undercarriage and the paint. Keep your vehicle clean from the inside out to prevent lasting damage.
- Check and clean the interiors. Vacuum the insides of your car every month to get rid of dirt and other harmful particles.
- Take the car regular checkups. There are car maintenance practices you can DIY, and there are a lot that you need to entrust to the professionals. Don’t hesitate to consult with them and ask for their help to ensure your car’s health.
Having a car is a privilege. Make sure you maintain and prepare it so that it can endure extreme conditions and last for a long time.
