car care 101

Your car is a huge investment, and it’s important to take care of it in order to keep it running smoothly for years to come. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips on how to maintain your car and keep it in good condition for as long as possible.

Keep Up With Oil Changes and Maintenance Dates

Change your oil and filters every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. This is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your car running smoothly. Over time, your car’s engine oil breaks down and becomes less effective. This can cause a variety of problems, from decreased fuel efficiency to engine damage. By getting your oil changed on time, you can help prevent these issues and keep your car running like new.

Additionally, it’s important to stay on top of other routine maintenance dates. For most vehicles, regular maintenance begins at 5,000 miles and continues from there every 5,000-10,000 miles. 

Don’t Neglect Your Tires

Driving on bald tires or tires that are wearing unevenly can cause significant wear and tear on your vehicle. Most experts recommend getting new tires every 50,000 miles. However, this may vary depending on the type of car you have and how often you drive. If you’re not sure how often to get new tires, consult your owner’s manual or ask your mechanic.

Additionally, make sure you get your tires rotated every 7,500 miles. Tires need to be rotated because they wear down unevenly. The front tires usually bear the brunt of the weight, while the back tires don’t work as hard. By rotating your tires, you can help them last longer and keep your car’s suspension and alignment working properly.

Keep Your Car Clean and Cool

One of the most important things you can do for your car is to keep it clean. This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people neglect their cars and let them get filthy. Not only does this make your car look bad, but it can also lead to problems down the road. When dirt and grime build up on your car, it can cause rust and other damage. Plus, it’s just plain unpleasant to drive a dirty car. So make sure to wash your car regularly, inside and out.

Additionally, protect your paint by waxing your car several times per year. This will create a barrier against the elements and help keep your car’s paint looking shiny and new.

Lastly, keep your car as cool as possible. This includes parking in the shade whenever possible and using windshield barriers to keep your car’s interior cool. Heat can damage your exterior paint and make the interior of your car break down faster than it would if you protect it from the sun.

Don’t Forget At-Home Maintenance 

In addition to taking your car to a professional mechanic for routine maintenance, here’s some other tips to keep in mind in order to keep your car well-maintained:

  • Keep your gas tank at least half full. Over time, condensation can build up in the gas tank and cause corrosion. This is especially true if you live in an area with high humidity. By keeping your tank at least half full, you can help prevent this problem.
  • Change your air filter. We recommend changing the air filter in your car every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, but this can vary based on the car and driving environment. If you often drive through dusty terrain or on unpaved roads, you may need to change it more frequently.
  • Flush your coolant. Depending on the vehicle and the coolant, the average time between flushes is two years or 30,000 miles for silicated coolants and up to five years or 100,000 miles for an extended drain coolant.
  • Check your windshield washer fluid. Use a windshield washer fluid that is designed to remove bugs, dirt, and other debris from your windshield. 
  • Check the engine fluid levels and tire pressure.  We recommend doing a routine check on engine fluids and checking your tire pressure once per month. 

Looking For A Mechanic?

If you are looking for a mechanic you can trust in Reno or Sparks, Nevada, call Liberty Collision! We’ll help with all of your car maintenance needs and keep you on the road for years to come. 

 

Join Our Newsletter Today

Insider News & Vehicle Tips