Cars are one of the most important assets you will likely own in your adult life and one of the most expensive, too.
Although cars are very useful, they can be expensive to repair if damaged, and therefore it is important to keep your car in mint condition to the best of your ability. Keep reading if you’re interested in learning five ways to keep your new car in mint condition.
#1. Purchase an Extended Warranty
Depending on whether you bought a new car outright, used a hire purchase car finance to acquire your car, or paid for a used car, your vehicle may come with a manufacturer’s warranty which will typically last from three to five years. However, once your vehicle ages enough that the manufacturer’s warranty expires, it could start to have problems, and the warranty will not cover these issues. Because of this, make sure to purchase an extended warranty for your car as an investment in this costly asset’s future and lifespan.
#2. Drive Carefully
Aside from being safe, driving carefully and staying vigilant while on the road will help you reduce your chances of ending up in an accident or accidentally driving onto the shoulder of the road – both things that can damage your car. Additionally, if you do not take care while driving, you may burn out certain car components faster than they would otherwise. While driving, ensure you follow all road signage and safety measures, including not being intoxicated while operating the vehicle or distracted by your phone if you are in the driver’s seat.
#3. Invest in Rugs and Seat Covers
To keep your car in mint condition, it is essential that you keep both the outside and the inside as pristine and maintained as possible. Car owners should take care never to neglect the seats and floor of their car, as these can be easily stained, damaged, and torn through everyday use. This is doubly important if you are a pet owner, or have children, as both youngsters and animals are very likely to create a mess in your car.
#4. Frequently Check on Your Car’s Fluids
Most mechanical machines require many fluids to run at optimal performance. Cars are no exception, demanding engine coolant, windshield washer fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and engine oil. It is recommended that you check the level of your oil at least every 5,000 kilometers (every few months), if not more often. If you do not know how to access the parts of your car where you can find its fluids, have a mechanic show you the next time your car has a check-up. Understanding how their car works is something every owner should know, if only at a basic level.
#5. Protect Your Car’s Extremities
Any driver knows that it can sometimes be easy to forget about the parts of your car that stick out and are attached to the vehicle. These are also arguably the most vulnerable components of your car, as they can be damaged with little force required or snapped off entirely. Review your owner manual to see if your car has wing mirrors that can retract (if they do not already automatically), and if your car is not equipped with retractable mirrors, then ensure you fold them in whenever you leave your car. While this may seem like an unnecessary hassle, it is a good habit to develop so that you never return to your car with one mirror broken off by a careless driver.
In conclusion, your car is a valuable, expensive investment that needs to be maintained if you wish to preserve it for a long period. While owning a car is undeniably useful and will no doubt improve your everyday life by cutting down on commuting times and offering your privacy on your way to work, there are many things to remember as a responsible car owner. These tips should help you keep your car in good shape as it ages, for as long as possible. Good luck!