Keeping your car in good working order may not be as difficult as you’d expect! With a few simple tweaks and tune-ups, you can make your car run almost as good as new. Here is what you can do:
- Clean or change your spark-plugs –– Even ONE misfiring spark plug can reduce your car’s fuel economy by as much as 4%. That may not sound like a lot, but consider that you’re wasting $4 for every $100 spent, and it starts to add up over a year! Get those spark plugs cleaned, or change them out if necessary.
- Inflate your tires –– If your tires don’t have enough air, your car will use up to 5% more fuel. It’s a simple thing to check your tire pressure and fill all four tires with enough air to keep the car running well.
- Get the car checked out –-Did you know that simple maintenance issues can reduce your fuel mileage by as much as 40%? If you want to keep your car running good as new, it’s vital to perform basic maintenance: change the oil, air filters, and transmission fluid if necessary, check the battery, and ensure the hoses and belts are securely in place.
- Fill the radiator –– If your radiator doesn’t have enough coolant, your car is much more likely to overheat. Even if it never fully overheats, a lack of coolant will cause your engine to run hot, reducing its fuel economy. Make sure to keep your radiator topped up to ensure proper engine temperature.
- Rotate and align your tires — If your tires aren’t rotated regularly, they will begin to wear unevenly, leading to an increased risk of tire damage. If your wheels aren’t aligned, the uneven wear will increase. Make it a point to have your tired aligned once every 6 to 12 months, and rotate your tires every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. It can be done at the same time as you get the oil changed.
- Clean the car — A large part of keeping your car in “like new” condition is ensuring that it LOOKS like new. Cars tend to accumulate dirt and grime from rain, dust, and mud. Dust and dirt particles can stain your car and reduce the environmental protection of the exterior coating. It’s vital that you get your car washed regularly, especially if you live in an area with a lot of dust and dirt. Make sure to get the inside cleaned out as well, as that will reduce the risk of food smells, stains, and general wear.
Follow this advice to keep your car not only looking great, but running well for years to come!