5 Tips that Will Keep Your Car in Great Condition and Looking Like New for Years to Come

It is less expensive to properly maintain your car than to repair it, but many people simply forgo maintaining their car because of the small expense or inconvenience. Simple regular maintenance items not only prevent unnecessary breakdowns and repairs, but extend your car’s life and level of performance. A well-maintained car also retains more resale value. Thus, here is a quick look at 5 maintenance tasks that will keep your car in great condition for years to come.

Perform Regular Oil and Filter Changes

This is the most important maintenance you can do for your car. Nothing destroys an engine quicker than neglecting oil levels or forgetting to perform regular oil changes. Check your owner’s manual or ask your mechanic for the proper oil change interval for your make and model. You should also ask your mechanic for the proper type of oil that you should be using in your vehicle. Providing proof of regular oil changes can add hundreds of dollars to a resale price.

Do a Yearly Cooling System Flush

Corrosion and deposits can build in the inside of your cooling system and cause huge problems. Flushing the cooling system and changing the coolant yearly helps prevent buildup of harmful deposits in your system. Mix coolant in equal parts with distilled water to keep your cooling system in great shape.

Change Transmission and Differential Fluids on Schedule

This is not a frequent service, but it is vitally important. Check your recommended service intervals and write it on the calendar, or have your mechanic remind you. If you do it yourself, be sure you use the gear oil and transmission fluid that is the proper viscosity and type for your system.

Keep Your Car Clean

Carports and garages only protect your car when it is inside. You still must wash and wax your car regularly to protect and maintain its finish. The outside obviously needs cleaning, but cleaning the undercarriage is just as important, especially in areas where the roads are salted in the winter. Everything you run over can stick under your car and cause corrosion. The inside needs regular maintenance too. A yearly detailing and steam cleaning of the inside can keep your car looking brand new for years to come.

Keep All Moving Parts Lubricated

When you change your oil, it’s also a good time to check your lubrication. Joints and moving parts all need regular grease and lube to ensure proper performance and prevent unnecessary wear and tear. Proper maintenance of joints and moving parts can potentially save you thousands of dollars in repairs.

Just like your body, your car needs regular care. Take care of it, and it will take care of you by not stranding you on the side of the road. A little TLC adds up to real money at resale.