There’s no magic to keeping your car running smoothly for years. It just takes a little effort now and then. That effort can also pay off in a higher re-sale value.
Here are four tips to remember.
Keep it clean inside and out
Wash your car frequently, especially in the winter months. De-icers and rock salt wreak havoc on your car’s metal parts, so keeping them clean, and as salt-free as you can, is vital to keeping your car running well and looking its best.
Plastic, vinyl and leather wear from sun exposure and use. Keep leather from cracking and plastic and vinyl from fading by parking in shaded spots, tinting your windows, and using UV protectants when cleaning the interior of your vehicle.
Check and change your fluids
Each vehicle is different, so you should always check the owner’s manual for maintenance timelines, but here’s a general guide as to how often you should change the fluids.
- Oil – every 3 months or 3,000 miles
- Transmission fluid – every 30,000 to 60,000 miles
- Brake fluid – every two to five years or 30,000 miles
- Coolant – every two to three years or 30,000 miles
Lubricate all moving parts
Keeping your car on the road means making sure everything is well-greased. U-joints and weal bearings included.
Wax your car
Wax on, wax off. If you want your vehicle to be with you through thick and thin, you’re going to have to channel your inner Karate Kid. Your car should get a nice coat of wax every six months at the very least.
If you remember two things – clean it and change the fluids – you’ve got 70% of your maintenance covered.
We can help you stay on schedule at Levin Tire and Service Center. Just give us a call to make an appointment.
