How to Maintain Your New Car

You just bought a new car and you want to keep it looking and running perfectly. Follow these simple procedures and you will enjoy using your car for the longest possible time.

1) Keep it squeaky clean by washing it once or twice a week, and if you have some time to spare don't forget to hose out the undercarriage and bumpers well. Your car will need waxing when the water beads become bigger than usual.

2) The engine oil should be checked regularly or monthly if the car is in good condition. But regular checks should be made if you notice an oil leak or if you discovered that you are always adding oil. Park your car on level ground so that you will get a precise reading on your dipstick. Do not overfill and leakages should be found and promptly fixed.

3) Check your tire air pressure once every month (do this when the tires are cold) or when you are taking an extended road trip. Make sure you use an accurate tire pressure gauge and ensure you carry out the same procedure on the spare tire too. Look for the car manual (usually found in the glove compartment) in order to help you know the manufacture's recommended inflation pressure.

4) The battery's terminals and cables should be checked in order to make sure that they are firmly attached, with no corrosion or signs of corrosion. If the brand of battery you are using comes with caps make sure to check it's fluid level every few months

5) Check the car's air filter by removing the filter element and holding it up against a strong light (sunlight). If you do not see any light, it is time to throw out the old air filter and replace it with a new one. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's recommended service intervals.

6) Check your brakes. This exercise should be carried out twice or three times a year in a brake shop or if you prefer, do it yourself. The brakes should be checked for worn-out pads & linings and replaced with new ones. However if you drive often then the brakes should be checked often.

7) Clean the car radiator. This is done in order to avoid overheating of your car. Make sure you remove the debris from your car's radiator by using a soft brush and washing the outer surface of the radiator with a detergent solution.

8) If you are not good at DIY, simply take the car to a shop where they can do the under-car inspections to check for rusty or rusted-through exhaust parts that need replacing. Listen to changes in sounds of your exhaust while driving.

9) Regular maintenance and servicing of your car after 2-4 years include:

(a) Replacing the drive belts and hoses

(b) Draining and flushing of the car's cooling system

(c) Changing the driving belt

(d) Changing of the automatic-transmission fluid

If you endeavour to carry out these simple checks it could save you a lot of expensive repairs for your car in future. Cars are like humans in a way because they require attention and like humans they breakdown if they are not properly looked after.