With rising inflation and economic difficulties, buying a new car is out of reach for many Americans in 2022. That is why you might want to do everything in your power to maintain and improve the condition of your existing vehicle.
Since taking on this gauntlet is easier said than done, you might run into a number of issues during the process. From repair costs to quality concerns, these problems can keep you from maintaining your car the way you want.
To assist you during this ongoing journey, here’s how to take care of your car in 2022.
Keep in Line With Ongoing Maintenance
As you look for tips to boost the performance of your car, you may run into a variety of suggestions. But one piece of advice that may often pop up on every list is to perform regular inspections and maintenance for your car. There are multiple reasons behind this.
Besides preventing possible issues, the approach also improves your vehicle’s performance. In addition to saving a world in repair costs, the practice also ensures a smooth driving experience. Due to these advantages, it is crucial that you look into measures such as a diagnostic scan by reliable professionals. This lets your car steer clear of sudden repairs.
Be Mindful of Timely Fluid Changes
Changing your car’s fluids is one of the most common yet most important steps to take for your vehicle’s performance. Typically, you may need to change your engine oil every 5,000 miles. However, depending upon your usage, this range could drop as low as 1,000 miles or go as high as 15,000 miles.
Similarly, you also need to be mindful of changing other fluids including brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and coolant. To execute these changes, you can speak to your car mechanic every time you visit them for regular check-ins. Otherwise, you can use a reminder app to take your car to the mechanic after every few months.
Don’t Forget the Tire Pressure
If you ever wondered why everyone and their mother is concerned about checking their tire pressure, it’s because proper air pressure in tires prevents them from premature wear. In addition to extending the life of your tires, optimal air pressure also contributes to better balance and ideal mileage for your car.
Similar to maintaining your exhaust system, you have to keep an eye on the tire pressure regularly. You first need to check the tire pressure to see if it’s the same figure as recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. From there, you can use an air pressure gauge to check the pressure. With these findings, you can regulate the tire pressure according to the manufacturer’s provided guidelines.
Remember to Change Your Air Filters
The air filters in your car are some of its most crucial yet often overlooked parts. As the first line of defense against external agents and contaminants, clean air filters protect you in multiple ways and keep dirt, dust, and debris away from your engine and inner cabin. It is important to change both filters regularly for optimal performance and comfort.
For engine air filters, you may need a change once every 1-2 years. For cabin air filters, you may have to switch them out every 15,000 miles. In case the inspection is difficult for you, you can use a note-taking app to keep a reminder on your phone the next time you go to your mechanic.
Wash Your Car on a Regular Basis
Washing your car is a highly important process that takes care of your vehicle’s paint, glass, and exterior accents. If you let dust, debris, and foreign contaminants stay on your car, they can often get stuck to the surface and may also cause issues such as chipped paint.
Due to this reason, make it a point to wash your car regularly. Many experts recommend that a weekly or bi-weekly schedule works quite well for most cars. But the actual requirement depends upon the usage of your vehicle and the type of areas that you drive it within. As a rule of thumb, if your car shows visible coatings of dust or contaminants, it’s time to wash up.
These measures allow you to take care of your car this year as well as beyond the turn of the calendar. This keeps your investment in your vehicle safe and lets you enjoy smooth drives wherever your journey may take you.