Unless you've got something exotic or rare in your garage, the value of your car will depreciate with time. While on the road, they suffer wear and tear thus making repairs and maintenance necessary to run smoothly. You shouldn't ignore the warning signs. Staying on top of maintenance increases your car's lifespan.
The following tips will not only make the car last longer but also increase the chances of passing the upcoming inspection:
Repair Any Body Damage
Small dings and dents are prone to corrosion and rust. Some states don't allow vehicles with rust holes on their body to pass a registration inspection. Depending on your car's rust extent, you may fix it yourself or hire a professional to do it for you.
Keep the Car Clean at All Times
Washing your car frequently removes grime that damages the paint. You shouldn't forget the underbody. Your car's underside is exposed to debris, road salt, mud and moisture. Utilize a pressure washer to effectively clean the area beneath.
Carpets should be dry and clean always. Damp carpets seep water to the frame resulting to corrosion and rust. Do you live in a wet environment? Rubber floor mats can be an incredible investment.
Regularly Change Fluids
Various fluids in your car facilitate its running. Consult the manual to check what fluid maintenance levels should be. Always change oil on time. While different cars might have distinct oil change levels, the general range is normally 3,000 – 5,000 miles. Going beyond the range simply means that the engine will face a greater risk of overheating. It might also increase wear on the internal components. Your car's coolant must also be properly mixed and clean. Finally, yet importantly, the brake fluid must always be fresh.
Be Well Timed on Vehicle Repairs
Particular car parts boast finite life spans. It's best to conduct regular checks on such parts to ensure they're in excellent shape. If they aren't in great shape, you should replace them soon. Postponing repairs results to higher bills. Consumable parts such as suspension, filters, tires, belts, horses, hoses, rotors and brake pads wear down or stop functioning with time. Maintain a long on their status to establish when they are due for replacement.
Never Forget Documents
When attending an inspection, you must carry a few particulars. Primarily, you should have your driver's license or a valid photo id. A copy of liability insurance card may also be needed.
By doing the above, your car will surely last longer and/or even pass the next inspection.
Share5 December 2016
Hello, my name is Elliot. I am 32 years old and I live in Perth, Australia. Welcome to my auto blog. When I purchased my car, I didn't really pay much attention to looking after it. The car was really nice, it drove well and looked good. For the first year or so, I had a great time driving around. However, I eventually began to have some problems. The engine sounded rough, the paint job looked really bad and my car just didn't seem very cool anymore. I took it to my local auto garage and they gave me some great advice about how I could care for my auto. Since then, my car and myself have both been much happier.