Owning a car is a more or less an investment that requires significant commitment. A vehicle is an asset that needs tender loving care, mainly because it most likely will not gain value. Therefore, taking good care of the car ensures that it maintain its value at the best level possible over its tenure. It is your responsibility to keep in clean and running without any issues.
Take Care of Your Car
Caring for your vehicle does not mean that it needs regular washing and adequate grooming. That may be part of the overall requirement. Your car serves you in different areas that are associated with have readily available mobility. As such, your vehicle is an extension of your daily way of life. Taking care of it means that you will also feel and be safe when driving it while also preventing it from becoming something that only drills holes in your wallet with frequent breakdowns.
Given the above statements, below are some of the ways of caring for your car that show responsibility in ownership of the vehicle:
#1. Check The Rubber
We all love it when we roll out of your homes in our cars to burn the rubber on the roads. But you should always keep in mind that the tires wear out over time and should be rotated after 10,000km so that they wear out evenly. Inspecting the rate of wear on each wheel is essential. You also should ensure that the wheels are on under or over inflated so ensure they perform as specified and the vehicle cruises on the roads safely.
#2. Regular Health Checks
As you do your best to go for a health check to confirm all is well with you, then you also should do the same for your car. Taking the vehicle for routine service inspections and repairs is also part of acting responsibly in taking care of your car. The regular service checks where the coolant, brake and engine oil are changes at the required intervals cannot be overstated. The overall objective is to ensure that all parts are in perfect working condition for your vehicle to operate at optimal capacity.
Also, it is beneficial to know how to do some maintenance checks and repairs. If you are considering any modifications to your machine, then ensure that they are in line with the manufacturer’s specifications, as well as the legally accepted roadworthy standards.
#3. File All Receipts
You should keep the receipts and paperwork for anything done to the machine so that you can track your vehicle’s service history. The documents will also be essential when you decide to sell your car; they can help in the resale value because they are proof of a machine that has been well-maintained. The service check and works can include cleaning, repair placement of the shock absorbers, engine mounts and water pumps.
#4. Get Rid Of Bird Droppings
Bird droppings are an unsightly thing to see on anyone’s vehicle. They are highly acidic and will start to eat into the car’s paintwork if left to sit for long. A new paint job is costly, and you can avoid such an expense by removing the dropping as soon as you find them on your vehicle. It is wise to have an insect remove or even wet wipes on standby in the car so that you can get rid of the bird bombs immediately you notice them. Also, consider investing in shelters for parking your car outside.
#5. Thaw The Rain
Applying rain repellents such as Glasco or Rain X on your car’s windscreen can help improve visibility when driving during rainy weather. The products also help to reduce hydrophobic effects of wet and damp weather. A bit of the rain repellant on the taillights and headlights can help maintain clear lens during wet weather. Rain can also have a damaging effect on the paintwork of your car; therefore, you may want to consider a paint protection coat done to preserve the shine of your vehicles outer surface.
#6. Maintaining A Stain And Mess-Free Interior
Every car manufacturer will fit their vehicles with mats which are meant to help manage dirt, mud, spillages, and grime and ensure the inside floors of the car are easy to clean. However, you also should put in enough effort to ensure that you keep the mats clean and the interior of your vehicle is stain-free. Having a portable hand-held vacuum on standby inside the car will come in handy when you are trying to keep the spills and dirt contained.
#7. Let There Be Light
It is illegal to drive around in a car with faulty lights. Dim lights impede your visibility when driving on the roads. You should always see where you are going when it is dark. Moreover, the lights also play a role in ensuring that your vehicle is visible to other road users thus reducing the risk of accidents. Always check them before heading out and ensure that you are using the approved equipment so that you do not blind fellow motorists.
#8. Hibernation Time
If the car will go for an extended period without being used, it is wise to have the battery disconnect, so that is not drained by the electrical systems such as the alarm. Also, have someone to start the vehicle periodically so that the systems do not stall. Moreover, the car should be parked in a safe and clean area where it is sheltered from the elements and keep animals from turning it into a home while also lowering the risk of it being stolen.
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