6 things that you can do to keep your car healthy
By: Jm Miana
Tags: Car Maintenance Tips, Automotive, Car Maintenance, Cars, Mechanics

CAR TIPS

6 Things That You Can Do to Keep Your Car Healthy

Photo by Jairph on Unsplash

Taking good care of your car might look difficult if you’re not a car mechanic.

But it’s not.

Machines are a bit like the human body, they need to exercise, and also, it’s a good idea to get them checked every once in a while.

Here are some basic steps to keep your car running smoothly.

1. Start the engine at least once a month.

Not using the car in a long time can be a battery killer, because the battery will slowly discharge until a point where the car won’t start.

And that might happen when you need to use it the most.

Also, this is good for joints, to keep them from getting dry, so you will avoid those nasty oil leaks. And, in the long term, will prevent the engine from rusting.

It’s also vital for the cooling system because it prevents it from getting obstructed.

2. Start the A/C system every few days.

Fun fact: In older models, you can turn on the compressor without the cool air getting in

A/C systems need oil to stay lubricated, if the A/C compressor stays dry for long periods, it will be eventually damaged.

Also, it’s a great way to remove the fog of your windscreen in winters, because it will make outside and inside temperatures match.

3. Use the electric windows.

Up and down, down and up

Electric windows can break for two reasons: Overusing them, or not using them enough.

By using them from time to time you will prevent the motor from rusting.

Bonus tip: If it doesn’t work, check the fuse box, sometimes it’s just a blown fuse.

4. Use the windscreen washers.

Avoiding also tap water will prevent obstructions

Some windscreen washer detergents can create a “dust” over time.

You can prevent this by using the screen washers, that way, the liquid will flow and the jets won’t get obstructed.

5. Go for a drive.

What do you have a car for if you don’t drive it?

Going for a drive is a fun way to prevent damage to your car.

You can plan a short trip anywhere, and spend the day with your family or friends.

Or simply enjoy visiting other places.

By doing this you will use every part of the car

This will prevent the gearbox from rusting.

Rusting happens because part of the components are not covered in oil when the car is not moving.

It will also prevent the tires from deforming, something that happens when the car is parked for long periods in the same spot.

6. Perform periodic checks as stipulated by the carmaker.

Check the threads of your new filter before trying to fit it in.

Important: Always use the oil prescribed for your car.

Even if you do not use your car a lot, periodic checks and oil changes should be done, on average, every year.

Those include:

-Oil change.

-Oil filter change.

-Petrol filter change.

-Air filter check/change.

-Check transmission oil.

-Pollen filter change.

-Verify coolant level.

-Check brake fluid.

-Examine brake pads.

-Check the tyres.

That should be enough to keep your car in running order.

Bonus: How to check a dead battery

If you have a multimeter, you can check your battery by setting it into volts and placing its ends on the battery’s terminals.

You should do this about an hour after the engine has stopped because the results will be more accurate.

A good car battery should have around 12.6 volts, if it gives less than 10 volts, that battery is probably dead.