Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Top ten ways to enhance the life of your car

Do you know basic vehicle maintenance involves a minimal investment of time and money? Here you can find simple ways of maintenance for better life span of your beloved car for providing you the major benefits in vehicle performance and lower repair costs.

Now-a-days purchasing a new car is not a Herculean task rather than maintaining it in a good condition. Most of the owners want to hear- “It looks like new! I would have never guessed that car was eight years old.” But keeping our cars looking like the late models is tough, even with today's long-lasting finishes. Do follow the following tips to keep your car as new as you bought before.

1.Clean your car daily

Do follow the procedures suggested by the vehicle owner’s. The first and foremost procedure in cleaning the car is to wash it. You should clean the tires and wheels at first before cleaning the body. Don’t use the same mitt for both body and tires. This will prevent the soiling of the body with debris from the wheels and tires to give you a look of a new car. Tire’s appearance may be improved by cleaning the tire with a stiff brush and also clean the wheels with a good wheel cleaner to prevent rust formation. Dry with a chamois to avoid water spotting.

2. Waxing your car

Now it is time to wax your car. Try to use the product sold specifically for cars. Give tender, loving care to exteriors. Waxing not only protects the finish but also help in easy washing in future due course. Before applying wax, remove the foreign particles on the paint. Wax may be applied as per manufacturer’s direction (Not to apply in direct sunlight). Consult the vehicle owner's manual to be sure. Wax your car three times a year-in the summer, fall, and spring-especially if you must park outside.

3. Remove dents, dings and cracked glasses in your car

Presence of dents, dings and cracked glasses ruin the appearance of your car. These items can be repaired as soon as possible either at your home or work. Door dents and small dings can readily be repaired without sanding, filler or painting. This will maintain the original factory finish of your car. Similarly chipped glasses also weaken the value of your car. Resins are not only widely used to fix your glass, but also make it stronger.

4. Avoid rusting of your car

Cover paint of your car chips as early as possible. Blob a little clear nail polish on the scratch until you get some touchup supplies. Touchup paint can be obtained for virtually every vehicle including antiques. Your owner’s manual will throw you some idea where you can get it. As little drops of water makes a mighty ocean, a simple scratch should be attended immediately. Otherwise, it will lead to rust and finally a small hole in the body. Parking in the hot sun can spoil interior surfaces as well as the exterior, so try to avoid it.

5. Fan belt and overhead camshaft belt replacement in your car

The first two parts to go on the typical new car before covering 30,000 miles are fan belts and hose. So try to replace it before it worn out. The overhead camshaft belt should be replaced for every 60,000 to 80,000 miles or otherwise it’s especially critical that your car could require a complete engine replacement.

6. Choosing correct oil for your car.

The owner’s manual will recommend you the appropriate selection of oil with good viscosity for your car. Synthetic oils are mere waste of money. CU's tests have shown that they don't enhance the performance of most cars. Oils and filters should be changed simultaneously for every 5000 to 7500 miles. By adopting correct oil change your car can be one of the best car in your area.

7. Antifreeze replacement of your car

Your car’s fluid should be kept clean. Antifreeze should be replaced at least once in two years in hot climates whereas in temperate areas replacement may be done once in three years. Before adding the new antifreeze, flush the cooling system with a radiator flushing solution. Use the antifreeze suggested by the vehicle owner’s manual.

8. Car engine inspection

Water may preclude into electrical connections if you clean your car’s engine with hose, and could trigger a short circuit. Inspect your car engine once in a week for oil leaks or dirt. If you find any smudged area, wipe it with a clean dry cloth and again make sure for the reappearance within two days. If so, please take your car immediately to workstation.

9. Exercise air-conditioners and heating systems

The life of your car may get extended, if you test run your car's air conditioner even during the winter at least 5 minutes, to keep the system well lubricated and prevent failures. Heater may also be operated for about 5 to 10 minutes a couple of times during the summer to thwart the air-distribution system from seizing up. Best car performance may be accredited to your vehicle by adopting these strategies in summer and winter.

10. Care for brakes, tires, batteries, and transmissions

Brakes may be taken care well by avoiding frequent sudden stops. Brakes should be applied in a gentle manner by pressing lightly. Tires may be checked twice in a year. Tires may be rotated for every 7500 miles to protect them from wear and tear. Do check the tire pressure for the four wheels at least once in a month. Driving with low-pressure tires will consume more fuel. Have the wheels balanced if you notice a consistent vibration or shimmy at certain speeds.

Verify battery terminals for the presence of gooey white deposits. These may be cleaned using a wire brush, then clean the entire battery with a mixture of 2 teaspoons baking soda and 1 pint of water. Your car’s transmission may be get good life if you come to a total stop before shifting between forward and reverse gear. Try to fully depress the clutch while changing gears.

Summary

Keeping your vehicle young, while it doesn't require a lot of effort it fosters a feeling of pride and accomplishment. Before having any repairs performed, choose the facility as carefully as you would choose your automotive repair shop.

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