When it comes to owning an older car, we often try to get as many years as possible out of the old clunker before having to retire it to the junk card. Forking out the cash for a brand new car can be very expensive, so it is important to do everything in your power to keep our current cars in good condition. Since older cars tend to require more maintenance with age, it is a good idea to be prepared and ahead of the game with the upkeep of your vehicle. There are a few things you’ll need to keep on a mental checklist that can help you ensure that your car gets the proper care to keep running flawlessly. If you are looking for some hints on how to make your car look and feel newer, be sure to keep these five things in mind.
Keep it Clean
If you think about it, anything that is kept clean and shiny typically looks better and has better longevity in the long run. Even if you only do it once a month, deep thorough cleaning can help your car look a lot further away from it’s final resting place. Plus, by keeping its body clean on the outside, you can prevent some deterioration from the weather.
Change the Oil Every Six Months
A newer car may be able to last a little longer before an oil change, but it’s important not to skip out on an older car’s oil changes. The oil in your car is one of the most vital things to keep it running, since oiling helps lubricate the parts of your engine that might otherwise wear down from friction. Also, there can be lots of dust and debris that get trapped in your oil after only a few months of use; by changing out your oil regularly, you’ll help prevent corrosion inside your motor.
Tire Maintenance
Keeping your tires full and in good shape will not only help you get better gas mileage, it will also reduce your chance of having an accident or putting more wear and tear on the vehicle itself. In general, you should also always make sure to have a spare on you and also that there are no cracks or leaks in any of the ones currently mounted onto your car. By keeping good records of how long your spare tire has been there, you will be able to know when they are due for a look at or being replaced.
Have Your Air Conditioner Touched Up
A working air conditioner in your car will not only help keep your interior cool, it will also help the inside of your car stay fresh. Much like anything else, the A/C filters need to be cleaned out from time to time because dust and bacteria may collect in there. Also, it may be a good idea to put an air freshener inside your vehicle to avoid that “old car” smell.
Stay Up To Date With Your Brakes
A functioning set of breaks can make all the difference in the world in the way a car drives. If you notice that your breaks are starting to wear thin, it’s essential to get them replaced. When brakes start to age and get worn out, they make an unmistakable sound as you are driving around town. Not only is this bad for the car’s interior parts, it is also extremely important for the driver’s safety as well. By requiring the car to exert more force to stop, some key components of your brakes will eventually grind and wear down, which may lead to an accident down the road.
Written by the staff of Custom Complete Automotive. Custom Complete is your go to solution for the best car repair, inspections and an oil change Columbia MO has to offer.