8 Tips on how to maintain your new car Like a Pro !!
Simple tasks that can make your car last longer
One of the reassuring qualities of contemporary cars is that they need a much less frequent service to keep them running. Changing the ignition candles, the circuit breaker points and the condenser were a seasonal exercise and the rust of the body was accepted as normal so unfortunate aging. Now, many spark plugs can go 100,000 miles between the changes. The electronic ignition eliminated the points and the condenser. The chassis, suspensions and even some transmissions are at the dube of life. And the factory rust guarantees usually manage six years or more. In addition, reliability has improved considerably. The result is that most cars and trucks later and trucks should be able to access 200,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Here are some simple controls and procedures, periodic that you can do that will help you get there.
More maintenance and car repair tips consumer reports.
Table of Contents
1. Check engine oil
Do it regularly per month for a vehicle in good condition; More often, if you notice an oil leak or find that you need to add oil regularly. The car must be parked on level ground so that you can get a reading of the accurate gauge. Do not fill too much. And if you have a leak, find it and repair it soon.
2. Check the atmospheric pressure of the tires
Once a month and before any trip from the extended road, use a precise tire pressure gauge to check the inflation pressure in each tire, including the spare part. Do this when the tires are cold (before the vehicle is driven or after just a few kilometers of driving). Use the inflation pressure recommended by the manufacturer of the vehicle and not the maximum pressure relief on the side wall of the tire. The recommended pressure is generally on a sign on an entrance door, in the glove compartment, or in the owner’s manual. Also be sure to inspect the tires for abnormal or uneven wear, cuts, and softening of the sidewall that you can see.
- Digital tire pressure gauges (which cost about $ 15 to $ 25) are probably the best overall bet, as they will give a precise reading or any other. Many pencil-type gauges (usually $ 10 to $ 15) are also good as well. Note that to check the pressure in a temporary emergency tire, which is often 60 psi, you will need a gauge that goes higher than that from 0 to 90 pounds. (See our tire shopping tips and our assessments.)
4. Wash the car
Try to wash the car every week, if you can. Wash the body and, if necessary, retrieve the Fender wells and the rolling range to eliminate dirt and road salt. It is time to target the finish when water beads become larger than a quarter. (Read “How to wash your car” and consult our car wax ratings.)
5. Other checks at each oil change
For normal driving, many automakers recommend changing the engine oil and filter every 7,500 miles or six months, depending on the first event. This is enough for the majority of motorists. For “severe” driving with frequent and cold starts and short trips, dusty conditions or trailer towing – the change interval must be shortened every 3,000 miles or three months. (Check your owner’s manual for specific recommended intervals for your vehicle.) Special motors such as diesel and turbocharged engines may require more frequent oil changes.
6. Check the air filter
Remove the air filter element and hold up to a strong light. If you do not see the light, replace it. Anyway, follow the recommended service intervals.
7. Check the constant velocity joint boots
On the front traction and four motor wheeled vehicles, examine these bellows-shaped rubber boots, also called CV boots, on the drive axles. Replace immediately all that is cut, cracked or leak. If dirt contaminates the CV articulation, it can quickly lead to an expensive hotfix.
8. Inspect the exhaust system
If you are ready to do in-car inspections, check the rusty exhaust that must be replaced. Also, tighten loose clamps. Do this while the car is on-ramps.
No Comment