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 Car
Care and Maintenance Tips
Proper care
of your car will not only make it more dependable and enjoyable
for you, but will add value if you decide to sell. Knowing what
to do, when to do it, and using the right car care products is essential.
Prevent
problems before they happen
All cars come with an Owner's Manual that does an excellent job
of telling you what should be checked, and when. You can do some
of the tasks yourself, but it's best to take your vehicle to a dealer
or independent garage.
One of the
most important of any preventative maintenance you do to your car
is changing oil and filter regularly. Your Owner's Manual will specify
exactly how often to have this done. Even though the manual may
suggest that oil changes are needed only every 5000 or 7500 miles,
many people take a more conservative approach and religiously change
every 3 months or 3000 miles. Good arguments can be made either
way.
Check all fluids,
including brake, power steering, transmission, windshield washer,
and radiator. Make sure you replace any deficiencies with manufacturer-approved
fluids that are specified in your Owner's Manual. Don't overfill.
Check the air
pressure in your tires frequently — when the tires are cold.
Again, the owner's manual or door jam sticker will specify the proper
pressure for your particular tires. Look for uneven wear on your
tires ; you may need to rotate the tires or have an alignment done.
Check tread wear indicators (if your tires have them) to determine
if your tires are becoming dangerously worn.
Walk around
your car to make sure all your lights work properly, including headlights,
hi-beam and low-beam, front and rear turn signals, brake, and taillights.
Clean light lens.
Replace windshield
wiper blades if they become brittle or worn. Clean them to prevent
skipping and streaking. Keep your windows clean inside and out.
Inspect the
engine for unusual oil accumulation. Check belts for cracks and
wear. Replace your air filter and gas filter according to your Owner's
Manual. Look for drips and spots under your vehicle as signs of
fluid leakage.
Have an engine
and emission system analysis done to detect hidden problems. Rather
than paying a technician to do it, you can do it yourself with with
your own PC. Required software and instruction can be obtained from
AutoTap.
Keep
it clean
It is very important to regularly clean you car. Dirt, grime, road
oil, smashed bugs, and bird and tree droppings are the enemies of
your car's exterior finish. Not only is it unattractive, it can
cause irreversible damage.
Essentially,
the routine is: wash as needed and polish/wax when water no longer
beads up and forms droplets. Before you polish, you may need to
use a cleaner to remove any stubborn marks or stains.
There are many
car care products available to help you keep your vehicle looking
in top shape. Some are better than others. Consumer Reports
magazine sometimes reviews car care products and, in past reviews,
the lower priced products often beat out the high-priced products.
Clean
the inside too
Keeping the inside of your car clean makes driving more pleasurable
and helps maintain a good appearance should you decide to sell later.
The most useful
tools for interior maintenance are:
- vacuum cleaner
and attachments
- small brush
for cracks and tight places
- paper towels
for windows cleaning
- lint-free
cloths for dusting, cleaning, and window polishing
Car
care products
You'll also need the correct cleaning products for your
vehicle. Leather seats require a different cleaning product than
vinyl or cloth seats. Many tasks, such as cleaning floor mats or
cloth seats, can be handled by mild solutions of common detergents
(non-bleach).
For plastic
parts, use only plastic-safe products. For windows, we like Stoner's
Invisible Window. For dashes and doors, we don't like greasy
treatments such as Armor All; soap and water keeps it looking
natural and doesn't oil-fog inside windows in hot weather.
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