A vehicle is a substantial investment. To make the most of your purchase, you should try to keep your car in the best condition possible. However, if you don’t have a lot of experience with cars, knowing how to maintain their many various components can prove a bit overwhelming. To help you cover some of the most important bases, here’s a beginner’s guide on what to know about taking care of your car.
Follow the 30-60-90 Service Interval
To keep your vehicle in tip-top shape, you should have important components such as the engine and transmission serviced regularly. While service needs will vary depending on your vehicle model and driving practices, most mechanics recommend following the 30-60-90 service interval. Essentially, this policy suggests that you should have your vehicle serviced after driving 30,000 miles, 60,000 miles, and 90,000 miles.
Stay on Top Of Your Tires
To avoid getting frequent flats or unwittingly sabotaging your vehicle’s fuel economy, stay on top of your tire’s maintenance needs. In most cases, you should rotate your tires every six months or after driving 7,500 miles, depending on which comes first. Doing so will help ensure that your tires wear evenly for balanced handling. In addition to rotating your tires, you should also check their pressure every few weeks to make sure it’s at the appropriate level.
Wash Your Car Regularly
Another important thing to know about taking care of your car is that you should wash it regularly. In addition to helping it look its best, washing your car will also help keep it in good condition. Over time, salt, grease, smog, sap, dead bugs, bird droppings, and grime can eat away at your vehicle’s paint and corrode the metal in your vehicle. By rinsing such debris from your vehicle, you can prevent such damage and preserve the resale value of your ride.
Change Your Air Filter Periodically
One of the easiest car maintenance tasks to complete is simply changing your air filter periodically. Your vehicle’s air filter helps keep harmful dirt, pollen, and other contaminants from entering the engine. By replacing your filter regularly, you enhance the fuel efficiency of your vehicle and increase the lifespan of its engine. In most cases, you should change your air filter every 12,000 miles of driving; however, your vehicle’s owner’s manual may have more specific instructions.
