Congratulations on becoming a proud car owner!
But this comes with the responsibility of maintaining your car and keeping it in good shape for years. Are you concerned about how you are going to take good care of your car? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Here are a few simple guidelines for you:
- Be a safe driver.
The safety of your car depends immensely on you. Your car will remain in a good shape if you follow the rules and be vigilant. - Read the owner’s manual.
The first thing to do is to read the user manual. Please read it carefully and thoughtfully. Yes, it seems like a very dull book, but they give it to you for a reason. It will guide you through most of the operations, features and manufacturer recommendations for the best care and maintenance. It can come very hand in a troublesome situation. - Check and change the fluids.
Your car contains different fluids to keep things running and check each one at regular intervals.- Engine oil
Change the engine oil of your car every 5,000 miles. Do it regularly. Getting your oil changed regularly is one of the most important ways of keeping your car running smoothly. - Power steering fluid
Change it about every 75,000 to 100,000 miles to avoid replacing them at the cost of several hundred dollars. - Brake fluid
Get the brake fluid changed every two years, but it’s always best to follow the car manufacturer’s recommendations. - Transmission fluid
In automatic transmissions/transaxles, the recommended service interval is about every 30,000 miles or 30 months. (Check your owner’s manual or service manual for your car’s specifics.) The ATF should be changed sooner if its dipstick reveals dark or burnt-smelling fluid. - Radiator coolant
The radiator coolant can become more acidic over time and lose its rust-inhibiting properties, causing corrosion. Consider changing it every 30,000 miles. Otherwise, it can damage the radiator, water pump, thermostat, radiator cap, hoses and other parts of the cooling system and the vehicle heating system. And that can cause a car engine to overheat.
- Engine oil
- Change air and fuel filters.
It is possibly one of the easiest car maintenance jobs you can do yourself. Check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended intervals. If the manual’s not available, a good rule of thumb is air filter replacement every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. Fuel filter replacement every two years or 24,000 miles (whichever comes first). Regularly changing your car’s air filter will increase fuel efficiency, prolong your engine’s life, and reduce emissions. - Check tire air pressure and rotate tires every 5,000 to 10,000 miles.
Front and rear tires wear differently. Regularly rotating your tires equalizes their natural wear patterns, ensuring a smoother and safer ride. It also extends the life of your tires, which will save you money on costly replacements. - Have your brakes checked.
Your car’s brake pads require regular inspection. While driving, listen for any brake noise and pay attention to jitter or vibrating from the brake pedal. If you hear any, consult a service center as soon as possible. - Check the lights.
Head and rear lights are a vital safety feature of your car. If anyone of these is not functional, it can become a safety hazard for you and others. Get the broken/fused light replaced ASAP. - Wash your Car.
Consider washing the car every week if you can. Your car is subjected to elements, from road salt and ice melt in the winter to bird droppings in the summer. Wash the car body and hose out the fender wells and undercarriages but damage the paint and the undercarriage-term damage. - Review your car’s insurance.
An insurance review is an in-depth look at your insurance coverage—the policies protecting your vehicles, home, family members and other valuables. It ensures that you have the peace of mind that your car is protected adequately if something unexpected happens. - Monitor when your car’s factory warranty is about to expire.
You need to monitor your car’s warranty expiration date and mileage. When you run out of the factory warranty period, you should consider getting an extended warranty to ensure that you and your car are well protected, and someone’s got your back when something goes wrong. You won’t be wanted to be stranded on a highway without insurance. Many people don’t know that it is possible to get an extended car warranty through other reputable Canadian companies and at competitive rates!.