Your car is probably the one thing you buy in your lifetime that you will use the most. It’s your gateway to the world beyond your neighborhood, your way to get to work and back again, to go shopping and take care of business, and sometimes just to go somewhere for fun on a holiday drive.
Over time, you can become pretty attached to your car, which isn’t too surprising considering how much time you spend on it, so why not do something nice for it once in a while so it will last longer? If it could say “thank you,” it would! Regular maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid checks, can go a long way in keeping your vehicle running smoothly.
Keep It Clean and Well-Maintained
Cleaning both the interior and exterior not only keeps your car looking great but also helps preserve its value. Even simple steps like keeping the tires properly inflated and avoiding aggressive driving can prevent unnecessary wear and tear. A little effort can extend the life of your car, ensuring that it remains a reliable companion for years to come.
Sun Protection: Shield Your Car from Harsh Rays
Your car probably spends most of its time outside, which means it’s getting a lot of exposure to the sun, and that can be very harmful to its health, just like it is to us! Start by slapping on some nice car sunshades in Australia where the sun burns hotter than most places!
They will prevent the sun’s destructive rays from cracking and bleaching your exposed upholstery and dashboard and they look pretty cool while they keep things cool, too! Another nice thing you can do for your car is to give it a wax job after you wash and dry it, this is basically sunscreen for cars and it will keep the paint smooth and shiny for years to come.
Lay Off the Brakes: Drive Smart to Reduce Wear
If you are driving in such a way that it demands you constantly hit the brakes to slow down, then you are doing it wrong. You are not racing in Le Mans so if you are driving like you are, all you are doing is putting a huge amount of unnecessary wear and tear on your tyres and brake pads, which also means that at some point when you really do need to stop fast they are worn out and can’t help you! Slow down a little, especially on curves, and take your foot off the gas so the car can decrease speed naturally.
Change the Oil: A Small Step That Saves Your Engine
This one isn’t just about being nice, it is an absolute necessity! It needs to happen every 7,000 kilometres or you are asking for trouble.
If you are diligent about it, you will be fine, but if you get distracted and put it off until an “oh, no!” moment happens, you will be very, very sorry and your car even sorrier. Over time, the oil collects dirt and metal bits and if it gets to be too much, it will wreck your engine!
Finally, drive safely so you can both enjoy a long-lasting friendship!
