For some people, cars are just a means to an end, a way to get from point A to point B. But to others, cars have a far more special significance. On the right road, the right time of day, and the right frame of mind, cars have the capacity to provide an enjoyable experience. No wonder we take out money from our savings just so we can have just a couple more euros for that next mod while having spent weeks researching parts to find out what the next mod would be, and not considering your car maintenance.
To many people, cars mean freedom. In fact, this is the first sense of freedom that most people get, when they pass their car test for the first time, and go on a long drive, alone.
Hence, maintaining that sense of freedom, and independence means maintaining your car, so we will discuss how to do that with a few vital car maintenance tips.
Check Car Battery
It is important to at least know where your battery is located in your engine bay. If the battery has removable caps, its fluid level should be checked for months, especially in warmer climates.
You should also inspect the battery’s terminals and cables, making sure they are securely attached, with no traces of corrosion.
Inspect Air Filter
This is probably the easiest job to do, and the most cost-efficient one you can do yourself. It is also one of the most important, as changing your air filter will increase fuel efficiency, increase your engine’s lifespan, and reduce toxic emissions. This simple preventative maintenance step also goes a long way toward protecting passengers.
Hence, ideally, this filter should be replaced every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, and avoid cleaning and reinstalling it.
Rotate and Maintain Tires
Tires are very expensive, so having a browse through the car manual will ensure that you make each tire count.
Tire rotation is when you periodically reposition your vehicle’s tires in specific patterns from front to back or side to side. This is vital when it comes to tire maintenance and safety. This is because it ensures that the four tires begin to wear evenly while also improving performance.
Check the Timing Belts, Drive Belts, and Wires
Drive belts should be adjusted at least every two to three years, especially if they are noisy. When it comes to the timing belt (if your car has a belt and not a chain), there is a maintenance interval recommended by the manufacturer which it is wise to stick to. This is usually every 60,000 to 80,000 miles.
Fight Car Sludge/ Change Engine Oil
Short trips, stop-and-go traffic, and long trips, which place a heavy load on the engine, lead to a number of repercussions when it comes to engine function.
A big one is a sludge. This sounds just as bad as it looks. Engine sludge is a thick, dark, grease-like substance which appears in large clumps, as opposed to normal oil which isn’t too dark and has some thickness but is in a fluid-like state. This occurs due to a number of reasons. Oil hardening on a long trip at high engine temperatures is one of them. Other culprits include short trips, as they prevent the engine from reaching its proper operating temperature, as well as water in the oil, which is caused by condensation.
This is harmful for a number of reasons. Once it appears, it will begin to clog the oil passages and coat vital moving parts (such as the gears), making them work harder, and it also retains heat which is damaging to the heater. Frequent oil changes and an occasional engine flush are a must. An engine flush can help loosen deposits and reduce sludge buildup.
Final Thoughts
We believe in the importance of freedom, and independence. However, we also believe strongly in the pivotal last piece of the three-piece puzzle – security. Without this final piece, the cravings for both freedom and independence can often lead to recklessness, if one begins to take many unnecessary risks with their car maintenance. So we are here to help.
Do you need to set up or renew your insurance? Then, this is the perfect time to ensure your security by taking a look at our car insurance packages.
GasanMamo Insurance Ltd. is authorised under the Insurance Business Act and regulated by the MFSA