Keeping a car in good condition is the hope of every driver. However, between bad luck, neglect, and lack of attention, even for the most experienced, this goal is not always easy to achieve and, as an inevitable consequence, increases the risk of expensive interventions by mechanics.
However, there are many ways to save money: for example, in case the replacement of some parts of the vehicle becomes necessary, drivers could consult various authorized online platforms for the sale of original spare parts, including a well-stocked Tesla parts catalog, as well as for Opel, Renault, BMW, and other well-known brands in the automotive sector.
Also concerning savings, in this article, we will see best practices for proper vehicle maintenance.
Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions
One of the basic rules is also one of the “simplest” to follow. Each manufacturer indicates the intervals of time or the number of kilometers after which it is necessary to carry out periodic checks or replace some components of the vehicle. As much as one may know their car well, relying on the manufacturer’s recommendations is always a good idea. Regular checks and changes of oil, all filters that regulate the proper functioning of the engine and the vehicle as a whole, spark plugs, and belts, in fact, are the best way to limit problems and ensure that performance also remains at optimal levels.
Drive with care
Driving carefully not only means adopting the caution necessary to prevent accidents or simply to limit the risk, but also avoiding sudden accelerations and braking. Aggressive driving, in fact, contributes to accelerate the wear of brakes, suspensions, and other parts of the vehicle. Even with the engine, it’s better to be careful: letting it warm up is never a bad idea and can slow down the natural wear dictated even just by the passage of time.
Regularly check the fluid levels
There are many fluids needed to properly operate a vehicle. However, each of them must be maintained at regular levels because quantities that are too high or too low can negatively affect the overall health of the vehicle. Monitoring regularly allows topping up at the right time and avoiding worse troubles. Additionally, it’s crucial to check their levels before every long journey. Therefore, do not forget the regular maintenance of engine oil, coolant, brake oil, power steering oil, gearbox oil, and windshield washer fluid, because visibility is also important for safety.
Pay attention to the tires
Tires are a rather delicate part of the vehicle, subject to natural wear even in case of non-use. For proper maintenance, it is important to ensure that they are always inflated to the right point, i.e., that the pressure is within the range indicated by the vehicle manufacturer and the tire manufacturer themselves, in order to avoid the danger of wheel deformations, lengthening of braking distances, and damage to suspensions, all aspects that can have negative repercussions also on the safety (and not only on the comfort) of driving.
Keep the car clean
It almost seems banal to say, but the cleanliness of the car is important not only for the purely external appearance. While washing and polishing the vehicle regularly can certainly have a positive impact on protecting the paint and bodywork, keeping it in good condition for a longer period, the interiors also deserve some attention. Regular intervention on cleaning the interior of the car, vacuuming dust, and avoiding accumulating trash and other waste material, also means protecting the internal components of the vehicle, including filters, to prevent them from suffering due to extra work.
Be careful with long-term parking
As is known, it is not very good for a car to remain stationary for long periods. However, if this is necessary, the suggestion is to take appropriate precautions with small precautions. The first thing to keep in mind, for example, is to find a covered and safe place, because exposure to the sun and possibly to too high temperatures is something to avoid when possible. When possible, you can also disconnect the battery until the next use, but also consider using covers and covers that can protect the bodywork.
Pay attention to noises and warning signals
Every car is unique in its own way, so reading the manufacturer’s manual is never time wasted. When strange noises are heard, in fact, convincing oneself that everything is working correctly can be a rather harmful action. On the contrary, being cautious and acting immediately for an immediate review can help identify small problems before they worsen. Naturally, in addition to listening and observing, there are the famous and feared lights on the dashboard that signal the problems recognized directly by the vehicle itself: these must and cannot ever be ignored.
