4 Car Maintenance Tasks You Should Be Doing To Lengthen The Life Of Your Vehicle

Your car was a major purchase, and one of the single largest payments you'll have in your life after a house. Cars can stay on the road for a number of years, but only if you care for your car properly and maintain it regularly. If you don't take care of you car, you may end up needing a new car much sooner than anticipated, which can put a dent in your budget. Read on for a few maintenance tasks you should be doing to lengthen the life of your automobile.

1. Wash Your Car

Don't rely on the occasional rain shower to wash the grime off of your car. Your car needs to be cleaned with soap and water, and given a good wipe down in order to keep the paint from fading and to prevent damage to the clear coating of you car. Wash your car at least once per month, if not more often to remove day to day grime on your car. Also be sure to polish your car to protect the paint and clear coating from damage. Outside elements such as salt on the roads, bugs, the sun and general pollution can all take a toll on your car. Be sure to wash it with an automobile soap and apply a wax/polish coating when finished. 

2. Change The Oil

The oil in your car is going to need to be changed every 3,000 miles or every three months, whichever comes first. You can also look at your car manufacturer's recommendation on this, but be sure you follow it. Old oil can gum up in your car's engine, and a lack of oil can cause your car to overheat and breakdown prematurely. Get an oil change on your car as needed, and don't wait for the oil light to come on.

3. Check The Air In Your Tires

If your tires are flat, it can cause a problem for your rims on your car, and it can also cause you to use more gas. Check that your tires have air in them, and that they have enough tread on them as well. It can improve the gas mileage and prevent wear and tear on your vehicle. The inside of your door should have information about how much air pressure your tires need.

4. Drive Your Car

If your car usually sits and isn't driven very often, it isn't good for the engine. Your car needs to be driven and should have some highway miles on it, in addition to local miles. Get your car out on the open road from time to time and get it up over 55 miles per hour here and there.

If you aren't taking care of your car and maintaining it properly, you could be in need of a new car sooner rather than later. Take good care of your vehicle and take it to an automotive shop like Grey Chevrolet Inc for routine maintenance as needed.