If you’re going to buy yourself a car using your hard-earned money, the least you can do is make sure that it will last for a while. There’s no point in spending all your money on a car that you won’t take care of through proper and regular maintenance; you have to be in this for the long haul, both literally and figuratively.
That said, performing basic maintenance on your car isn’t really all that hard. As long as you stick to the schedule that you believe is apt to keep your car in optimal condition, then you shouldn’t encounter any preventable problems.
But the same cannot be said for unforeseeable disasters, so you must be prepared to face those too. To address this, it could be wise to get auto insurance coverage for your vehicle so that you can file a claim if you ever find yourself in a road accident or experience intentional property damage.
But if you’re fortunate enough to avoid any car mishaps, then the only thing you have to prepare for is the eventual wear and tear of your vehicle. Even if you’re strictly complying with the car maintenance rules you’ve made, there could still be a possibility of damage. Here are four aspects that you should focus on:
Windshield
Your car’s windshield serves as the barrier between you and the outside world. It protects you from the natural elements while also allowing you to see in front of you clearly. That’s why your windshield must be always in good condition so that it can perform its job without compromising your safety.
So if you see any small chips or cracks in your windshield, you must have it fixed immediately to avoid putting yourself in danger. Don’t push this task for later; you must head to the nearest auto glass replacement shop to have your windshield fixed before you get into or cause any accidents.
Tires
It’s safe to say that without your car tires, it would be impossible for you to get anywhere. Therefore, you must take good care of them because your tires will wear out over time. The wrong tire pressure can also be detrimental to its lifespan, so make sure to always keep your eyes peeled for any signs of damage.
Usually, tires have to be replaced after 10 years or earlier, depending on how often you use your car. But you might have to have them changed if the tire’s tread depth reaches 1.6 mm because otherwise, you could be endangering your own life in the process. If you’re not sure, you should consult a specialist.
Fluids
When it comes to your vehicle’s fluids, striking a perfect balance between the minimum and maximum levels is key. This is because if you go below the minimum, you’ll risk breaking down in the middle of the road or damaging your car’s engine. And if you go beyond the maximum, you’ll risk overflows and damages.
This will apply to your engine oils, cooling system liquid, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and window washer fluid, to name a few. All these liquids are necessary to keep your car parts and systems lubricated, so you have to ensure that you never run dry or damage your car in the process.
Battery
Unlike electric cars that could be plugged into a power source, your vehicle will highly depend on its battery to run. Most batteries will have to be changed every three years. This is because failing to replace a flat or faulty battery is one of the most common causes of car breakdowns.
If you notice that it’s taking longer for your car to wake up and start, this can already be a sign that you need to have your battery replaced. Another warning sign is when the red battery light on your display begins flickering; it’s there for a reason, so you shouldn’t ignore it.
There are many other aspects of your vehicle that you should never forget to check up on. This can include your brakes, lights, indicators, wipers, mirrors, horn, and exhaust, among others. Remember that the purpose of having a car is to make your life easier and make traveling more convenient.
However, if the car that should be making things easier for you isn’t properly maintained, then it could be the very thing that puts you and other drivers or passersby in harm’s way. Being involved in a car accident is no joke, which is why you must do everything in your power to avoid it at all costs.
