How To Keep Your Car In Great Condition

When it comes to purchasing a car, there are many different elements that will go into the decision. The process of finding the right car can be long and arduous, or it can be short and sweet, based on your price range, the specifics of what you are looking for, and various other aspects. Once you have purchased a car, it is important that you are able to maintain it in good condition. There is nothing more frustrating than bringing a car home, only to find that it begins to have engine problems or other problems within a very short amount of time. This is true whether you purchase a new or a used car. If you are interested in keeping your car in good condition as time progresses, it is absolutely essential that you do basic maintenance and that you replace broken or worn parts. This will not only help you maintain the monetary value of your car, it will also reduce the stress and the financial burden of visiting a mechanic with a problem that was totally preventable.

One of the first things that should be mentioned when it comes to car maintenance are oil changes. Oil changes should be done every 3,000 miles. In a car, the motor oil provides lubrication for the engine and working parts. As the oil runs through the engine, it begins to get darker. This is mostly due to the byproducts of combustion, which is a natural process in the working of a car. As the oil gets older, it becomes more and more contaminated, affecting its ability to work correctly. The oil level also drops as time goes on. By changing your oil regularly, you greatly improve the smoothness of the engine and decrease the likelihood of having engine trouble.

As time goes on, it is also important to change out your tires. In some cases, you may want to use winter tires during the months when snow and ice are commonly found on the roads. Car tires generally last between 25,000 and 50,000 miles. Although the duration of a car tire's life will vary depending on the terrain, weather conditions, and various other factors, there are things that you can do in order to extend the life of your tires. For example, by rotating your tires regularly, you will find that they will wear down more evenly and will last longer in many cases. Also, ensure that your car alignment is correct.

Over time, brake pads will also begin to wear down. Usually, there is a safety feature built into brake pads that will cause them to squeal once they reach a certain level. This is often an indicator that they need to be changed out. If you wait too long to change your brake pads, you can also damage your rotors and other parts of the wheel, which is very expensive to repair.

Additionally, make sure to check and top off the fluids in your car regularly. If there is not enough brake fluid, transmission fluid, radiator fluid, or even window washing fluid, you will find that your car begins to have problems in various areas. In some cases, fluid levels that are too low can cause your car to break down and experience extensive damage.

By Paul Townsen