We all love cars. To some, cars are symbols of status. To others, cars are simply a means of getting to places fast. Owning a car comes with a lot of responsibility. You need to ensure that your car is in perfect condition and all components are in perfect shape to minimize risks of accidents to yourself and other road users. Your well being is also crucial. The tips below will be of help to car owners.
Monitor your vehicle’s fluids
Your car makes use of several fluids ranging from engine oil, coolant, power steering fluids, brake fluid to windshield washer liquids and water. As a car owner, you are expected to check all your vehicle fluids at specific intervals to ensure that they are at the expected levels and quality. Check your engine oil regularly because it is the life blood of your car. It is meant to lubricate the engine and keep it clean. Without sufficient engine oil, your car will experience thermal degradation, oxidation, and compressive heating. Secondly, if your car runs out of transmission fluid, you will destroy your transmission and be expected to replace it.
Monitor your tire pressure
The tire pressure of your car is one of the most significant safety features of your car. When your tire pressure is too low, there is greater friction between the tires and the ground, causing your tires to wear out faster. This can also lead to overheating and tread separation. On the other hand, when your tire pressure is too high, it causes less traction and the ride bumpy especially on irregular road surface. Check your vehicle’s manual for the recommended tire pressure. Some vehicles have tire specifications just next to the driver’s seat door frame. Some vehicles are affixed with tire pressure monitors that can give you an accurate overview of your tire pressure while driving.
Keep the Spare Tire in the Trunk always
Ensure that you have a spare tire in your trunk at all times. This is one think you must never take for granted. In addition, ensure that you constantly check the condition of your spare tire to ensure it’s in perfect condition. Most vehicles already come with a spare tire pumped in the recommended pressure. Check out our article on Spare Tire for more information. Your spare tire will come in handy in case of a puncture. It is also necessary that you familiarize yourself with how to change a flat tire. If you are he gentleman type, you will have to learn to loosen up a bit and hang the coat and get your knees on the pavement. Check your trunk to ensure that you have the prerequisite tools for this job and replace any missing tool immediately.
How to change the tire
Loosen the wheel bolts before raising your vehicle with a car jack to avoid car spinning. Raise the car, remove your tire and replace it with the spare wheel. Lower your car before tightening the bolts. Ensure that you tighten the bolts real good otherwise you will see your tire cascading right in front of your car!
Check your lights
Always confirm that your headlights, indicators and break lights are functioning correctly.
Check your wipers
Regularly check your wiper blades. You don’t want to drive under the rain and find out that your wipers are not working. Have your wiper blades replaced at least every six months, but it is best to replace them immediately you notice a fault.
Always carry an emergency kit and hazards
Its always good to be prepared. Learn how to deal with emergencies that may happen on the road. Note also that your car your car can break down. Therefore, you also need to be equipped with an emergency roadside kit. Your kit can include reflective warning triangles called hazards, a tire gauge, jumper cables, common tools, and a flashlight. Also have a fire extinguisher, foam tire sealant, battery powered tire inflator and tow cable. For your own use, include a first aid kit with the necessary gadgets.
Observe your car maintenance schedule
Generally, your car maintenance schedule depends on the mileage of your vehicle. Your service intervals will depend on how much time you pend on the road. Your vehicle’s shocks and struts will be checked during this maintenance to know whether these are already worn out. If these parts are worn out, you may already experience your car rocking back and forth from time to time as well as hear some rattling whenever you pass over a bump.
Your car’s engine oil will also be checked together with your air filters. It is important to change your car’s air filters every six months because when your engine gets dirty, the dirt tends to clog up these filters. Aside from your car’s engine, the headlights and taillights of your vehicle will also be inspected. As a general rule of thumb, both your headlights and taillights need to be replaced yearly.
Keep your car Neat
Clean cloudy headlights. Find a professional to do this. They can also check the paint job and perform nminor repares. Clean your dashboard and your car interior. Get rid of mud.
Conclusion
Owning your own car comes with great responsibility. Apart from familiarizing yourself with the driving rules and regulations, a car owner is also responsible for his vehicle’s upkeep. By observing the tips highlighted above, you minimize the risk of accidents and vehicle breakdown. Take good care of your car and it will take good care of you.
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