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New Car Maintenance: Making Your New Vehicle Last
It is important to follow a new car maintenance schedule if you want your new vehicle to remain in optimal working condition in the future. Most new cars are built to last for at least 10 years and require little maintenance in the first two years. However, there are a few new car maintenance tips that you need to keep in mind so that the vehicle remains in good condition as the years pass by.
Making Your New Vehicle Last:
- To start off, you need to read your car owner’s manual to understand the dos and don’ts. You will get valuable information about the proper maintenance schedule you need to follow. Although this is a good schedule, you may have to make minor alterations to the schedule you follow since driving conditions vary in every state.
- Although newer vehicles are equipped with electronic controls that don’t require regular tuning, you need to do a few things to keep your engine running effectively. Under normal circumstances you have to replace your oil and change the oil filter every 7,500 miles but it’s best to attend to this task every 3,000 miles. If you change the oil according to these guidelines you will help the engine stay clean and last longer.
- You must check the tire pressure and inspect the tires for wear and tear. To get an accurate tire pressure reading, check the pressure before taking your vehicle out on a drive. Look for the manufacturers tire pressure recommendations in your owner’s manual and inflate the tires accordingly.
- You should also inspect the brakes and the brake pads. You can do this on your own if you follow step by step DIY guidelines.
- Although the automatic transmission is sealed in some new vehicles, this is not the case for older models. Make it a point to check the level of the transmission fluid and the brake fluid. If you’re running low on these fluids top up and get your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic to identify leaks.
- Once your new vehicle has been driven around for 2 years you will have to perform a few other maintenance tasks. For instance, you will have to change the timing belt and the automatic transmission fluid and replace worn out hoses and drive belts.
- Apart from sticking to your new car maintenance schedule you need to wash your car regularly so that you protect the coat of paint and prevent the exteriors from looking dull. It is important to use good quality wax or surface protectants so that the surface remains smooth and glossy.
- If you find it difficult to remember routine car maintenance tasks that you’re required to carry out, consider using a car maintenance software that will give you automated reminders. Software is particularly helpful if you own 2 or more vehicles.
If you attend to minor car problems in time, you won’t have to spend money on expensive repairs. Also get the vehicle professionally examined at least once every 3 years to look for problems that can be easily fixed.
