7 Basic Car Maintenance Tips To Keep Your Car Running Longer
No matter how old your car is, basic car maintenance tips can keep it running for longer. We all know how important it is to have reliable transportation. While it would be great to have brand-new vehicles, that isn’t always possible. However, with regular maintenance, you can ensure your current vehicle stays working and that you do not have to spend money on a new car.
In this guide from Cash Cow in Louisiana, learn about seven tips for car maintenance you can use to keep your car running longer. These tips can help you save money on a new car by keeping your old vehicle in top condition. We will also explain how a title loan can help during a financial crisis, such as when you need to afford car repairs.
7 Car Maintenance Tips To Maintain Your Car’s Value
Taking care of your motor vehicle isn’t as challenging as it might seem. The only thing you need to do is stay disciplined with the basics, and that car will not only run longer but also help you prioritize your savings by not requiring you to spend any extra on it.
There are plenty of easy vehicle maintenance tips you can follow to maintain your car’s value. Using these tips can help you maximize your car’s lifespan and keep it running safely for as long as possible.
The following are seven car maintenance tips to keep your car running safely:
1. Wash Your Car Regularly
You might be surprised that some of the most basic car maintenance tips we can give you have nothing to do with the vehicle’s mechanical parts. To take good care of your car, start on the exterior by giving it a regular wash.
Washing your car will remove all the buildup of dirt and debris. That’s crucial to do, as some of those can become corrosive. If left for too long, they can cause your car’s exterior, underside, and frame to rust. Cleaning your car every two weeks can help prevent rust and protect paint.
2. Inspect And Replace All Fluids
Drivers who want to keep their cars running safely will want to check and replace all their car’s fluids. Each fluid on this list is crucial in keeping your car running optimally. If they get dirty or run low, your vehicle’s components can wear out or suffer internal damage.
Checking and topping up those fluids regularly will prevent that from happening. Replacing your car’s fluids can help prevent breakdowns and reduce repair costs by preventing car parts from malfunctioning.
The fluids you need to monitor include the following:
- Engine oil
- Coolant
- Lubricants
- Transmission fluid
- Windscreen washer fluid
3. Change Your Air Filters
Your car also has air filters that you’ll want to change approximately every 12,000 miles. One filter cleans the air entering your engine, while the other is for the air you breathe in the cabin.
The air filter in your engine ensures the air that helps the fuel ignite remains clear of particles that can cause long-term damage. The air filter in your cabin protects you from dust particles, mold spores, and allergens.
This car maintenance tip can help to improve fuel efficiency, as your engine won’t have to work as hard. It can also prolong your engine’s life to avoid having to spend money replacing it.
4. Replace Your Oil Filters
Your car's oil filters play a similar role to air filters. Instead of filtering the air, they remove impurities and debris from the oil that circulates in your engine. The cleaner your oil filter remains, the longer you can go without changing your oil.
However, even though they do this, replacing these filters when you change your engine oil is a good idea. Changing them simultaneously ensures that you don’t forget either of them. Replacing your oil filters can help maintain your car’s value by reducing your engine’s wear and tear and improving its efficiency.
5. Tire Alignments, Rotations, And Balancing
Your vehicle makes contact with the road underneath through its tires. Those parts last a pretty long time as long as you stick to the essential car maintenance tips that apply to them. This includes performing alignments, rotations, and balancing the tires every 6-12 months.
Doing so will help your tires perform optimally, maintaining their grip on the road. Making sure your tires are in good shape is vital to protect you and your passengers while on the road.
6. Replace Your Tires
Of course, you’ll still have to replace your tires at some point. Just like anything, your tires won’t last you forever. You should start changing your tires when the treads are worn below their safety indicators.
When that happens, it’s best to replace the tires altogether. Also, it helps to replace all four simultaneously, so you can expect them to wear out at the same time in the future.
7. Don’t Skimp On Maintenance Or Repairs
If you genuinely want to keep your car running longer, here’s the most essential car condition tip: never skimp on car maintenance or repairs. Sadly, many people choose to spend less on maintenance and repairs to keep their cars running for the short term.
Doing that means paying for lower-quality parts and products. Instead, it would be best if you always tried to pay for the best parts, fluids, and other necessary auto products. While it may seem expensive in the short term, you can save more money in the long term. Buying high-quality car products could be the difference between maintaining your old car or having to buy a brand-new vehicle.
Maintain Your Vehicle’s Value And Get A Louisiana Title Loan
Following the above auto maintenance tips can help you maintain your vehicle’s value. This can help when you face a financial emergency, such as medical bills, home or auto repairs, or travel costs, and need a title loan.
A title loan is a secured cash loan that allows you to borrow up to $1,400 by using your lien-free car title as collateral. You can get approved if you have fully paid off your car. How much you can borrow depends on the value of your vehicle, which is why following car maintenance tips is so important. Maintaining the value of your car will let you borrow more money when facing a financial emergency.
You can start the title loan process by completing our online inquiry form. One of our loan associates will call you to explain the requirements and how the process works. We will then visit your home or office to verify your requirements and inspect your vehicle’s value. You can sign the paperwork and receive your emergency cash the next day if approved.
FAQs About Vehicle Maintenance Tips
How often should I wash my car to prevent rust and damage?
How often you wash your car depends on the weather and how much you use it. If you use your car every day, you should wash it every two weeks, as long as the weather permits it. Those who use their car less frequently can do it every month or so.
When should I replace my car’s tires, and how can I determine if they are worn out?
You should replace your tires when your tire’s tread does not meet the 2/32” depth requirement. You can check this with a professional or do the penny test, which involves placing a penny in the tread of your tire and seeing if it disappears inside the tread. If it doesn’t, you should replace your tires.
What are some signs your car requires immediate attention?
If your car is making weird noises or shakes, it’s time to bring it into a maintenance shop to have it inspected. You should also address your car’s issues if your check engine light is on, it has braking issues, fluids are leaking, or you can feel it overheating.
Get Title Loans In Louisiana – Borrow Up To $1,400 Today!
Following these basic car maintenance tips to the tee can be the difference between a car that breaks down and a reliable and safe car. As we said in the beginning, starting to maintain your vehicle properly can be simple and cheap.
If you have urgent expenses you cannot afford, you can use your vehicle’s value to access quick cash through car title loans in Louisiana. If you want to learn more, just go to the Cash Cow website and fill out the online form.
Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.