If you have just started living on your own or if you have just got your first car, then you will likely be lost when it comes to regular car maintenance. The car is your responsibility, and you need to look after it so that it can look after you.
Looking after your car can seem expensive and time-consuming but it will save you money down the road. Getting into the habit of regular car maintenance will help you to ensure your car stays in tip-top condition. Here is a little advice for you to get started.
Extended car warranties
One of the first questions that you will ask is are extended car warranties worth it? Well depending on how reliable your car is and how much money you have to spend. If you have a reasonable emergency fund for repairs, then an extended warranty may not be needed. However, if you do not have a readily available fund then a warranty can cover any mechanical or electrical parts as well as the cost of labor for repairs. This can be a great way to ensure that your car stays in good health.
Check your radiator
You should make sure to check your radiator and cooling system. It is a quick and easy thing to do. Your coolant level should be in between the high and low markings. When you have allowed the engine to cool, you can remove the radiator cap and check the level in the radiator. If it is too low, then you should top it up with coolant. If your car is losing coolant regularly then you should see if there is a leak.
Checking your engine oil
It is important to check your oil at least once a month. Problems with your oil are easily missed. If you leave it too long, then great damage can be done to your car which is expensive. All you need to do is park your car and start your engine running it for a short time before turning it off. While the engine is warm, you can remove the dipstick and wipe it clean before reinserting it all the way. Remove the dipstick and check how high the oil is. This will let you see where your oil is sitting at.
Check your tires
This is also a very important thing to do regularly. Incorrect tire pressure can reduce the life of your tires and make your car less safe to drive. You need to make sure to also check the tread of your tires. The legal requirement is 1.5mm. Some of your tires may even have tread depth indicators in the grooves. Inspecting your tires also gives you the opportunity to see if there is any wear and damage on them.
Checking your car
You need to make sure that you stay on top of the maintenance of your car. If you don’t something can go terribly wrong. Getting into good habits is a great way to look after your car.
