These are the mandatory tips every driver must know:
Mechanics are similar to doctors. If your vehicle is “sick,” you go with it for a diagnosis and treatment as well. But just like doctors, somehow we’re “afraid” of going to the mechanics, even if we know all they want is the best for the automobile. However, with this inflation going on, sheesh! I really don’t want to even hear mentioning the word mechanic.
Ultimately, we gather the strength to go there when something isn’t quite right and we are aware that we may be facing a massive expense. If you want to avoid going to the mechanic but also prolong the life of your beloved car, pin for later all these useful tips every driver must know. Let’s start with the first one:
1. Limit your speed when you’re driving
Your automobile was probably not designed to be driven like a karting machine, unless you happen to drive one, of course! Slow down whenever you drive as if you had more time to spare. It won’t do any good to your car’s health if you slam the accelerator and jam the brakes. So go easy and drive carefully.
You’ll still make it, I promise, and if you’re going to be late the next morning, then try to leave earlier. Plus, the roads are going to be less crowded, for sure!
2. Always keep the fuel tank full
I know, I know that gas prices have skyrocketed lately, but waiting until the tank is almost empty won’t do any good to your car. This is probably one of the most important tips every driver must know: always keep your tank full, or at least half full.
You may ask why we came to this conclusion. Let’s see: The gasoline pump is located inside the gas tank in today’s car models. For the pump to cool and lubricate itself while you drive, there must be a steady supply of fuel.
So, if you are driving your car with an empty tank, it might lead to the pump filling with air, overheating, and failing.
3. Check your tires regularly
Your car’s tires are the element that makes contact with the pavement. And you must do preventative tire maintenance to keep your automobile operating and safe. Although it may seem difficult, keeping an eye on your tire pressure will help you avoid damaging your suspension system and early tire wear.
To make sure you’re doing it right, check your vehicle’s paperwork to find the right pressure. Oh and some good news for you in case you are not aware of them: Tire pressure gauges are affixed to many gas stations, and the air is provided for free. Awesome, right?
Furthermore, we advise fixing your suspension at least once a year and rotating your tires every 7,500 miles, or six months.
It’s always good to be prepared in case something unexpected happens with your vehicle! That’s why, among other tips every driver must know, it’s mandatory to keep a toolbox in the trunk, just in case you need it! This Car Emergency Kit is available on Amazon for $45.99. Hurry up since it has a discount now.
4. Change your oil and fluids often
One of the most crucial things you can do to safeguard your vehicle is to change the oil in it. Maintaining clean, fresh oil helps your car perform better and last longer since it lubricates the moving parts of the engine. We generally advise having your oil changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
5. Don’t forget about the air filters too
Waste entering your engine is stopped by the air filter in your automobile. It affects the gas mileage of your automobile as well. Every time you bring your car in for an oil change, have the air filter checked for safety and change it with a fresh one every 15,000 to 30,000 miles.
6. Keep your car as clean as possible
This is another one from the list of tips every driver must know! Your car’s exterior is shielded from grime, dirt, and environmental pollutants only if you’re washing and waxing it regularly. Furthermore, keeping your car’s interior clean—that is, vacuuming and dusting down surfaces—maintains the condition of the cabin and makes driving more enjoyable.
7. Brake maintenance
If you want to go to the mechanic as rarely as possible, then add this to the list of tips every driver must know. Your car’s brakes are an essential safety element, so make sure they’re functioning properly by keeping an ear out for any persistent grinding or screaming sounds. For best-stopping power, inspect the brake fluid level often and replace the brake pads as needed.
8. Read every single detail about your vehicle
Nobody expects you to be an expert on the vehicle you drive unless you work as a technician or are a car enthusiast. To recognize problems with your automobile, it is helpful to have both a real and a relative grasp of it.
When I say factual, I mean that you should know stuff about your automobile, such as the location of the cabin air filter, how to change your wipers, how to fix a flat tire, etc. And when I say relative, I mean the little details about your car that only you can see.
Do you notice a decrease in your gas mileage? Perhaps an oil change or new engine air filter is in order. Is the engine revving unexpectedly when it’s idle? There’s probably a problem.
Are you having issues identifying it on your own? Then it’s time to pay a visit to the auto repair shop because it may be just a minor trouble that won’t cost a fortune to repair.
9. Planning on buying a new car this year? Don’t forget about your research!
I wish someone taught me to think before I purchased my old car because this is probably one of the best tips every driver must know. It’s all set: you have the necessary money for that car you’ve dreamed about for years now, and soon you’re going to finally drive it!
Before you go to the dealership, do some quick research on the internet about its longevity based on other customers’ reviews. If you’re not buying it new, make sure the seller is a trustworthy person.
One thing is for sure: don’t overlook its endurance if you want to stay away from the mechanic as much as possible! I know that for a lot of people (including myself), buying a car is a huge investment, but if you want to have it alive and running for a longer time, then you shouldn’t settle for less!
Maybe wait a few more months until you have the necessary money for it. Make the best choice according to your needs and your family’s.
10. Go to the mechanic
That sounds a bit misleading, according to the title, right? But here is the thing: I intended to say that you won’t see the mechanic more often than necessary. The likelihood is that you’ll have to go when the issue gets bigger if you don’t go when it’s little.
Visiting the mechanic occasionally is actually beneficial! It helps prevent worse issues from arising and keeps your automobile in good working order.
Do you know any other tips every driver must know but somehow we forgot to add them to the list? Tell us in the comments section down below.
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