So you’ve just purchased a new car! Congrats! To keep your new ride as smooth and safe as possible for a long time, we have ten key car care tips for you!
Keep the exterior clean.
One of the most striking features of a brand new car is the shiny coat of paint. To keep that new car shine, wash your car regularly. Preferably, use wax or a car wash that includes wax to prevent color from fading due to sun damage.
Regular oil changes.
We can’t stress enough how much regular oil changes mean for your car’s longevity. The engine is the heart of your car, and oil changes are the maintenance procedure that directly affects how healthy your engine will be.
Keep tire pressure up to standard.
Not only is this great for keeping your car maintained, but properly inflated tires will improve your vehicle’s fuel economy and efficiency.
Always check your check engine light.
Many car owners shy away from addressing a check engine light. Take it from the experts at Auto Excel Lexington; the longer you leave that light blinking, the worse the problem becomes.
Keep the interior clean.
Letting garbage collect in your car is a quick way to lose that new car smell! We recommend getting an in-car garbage can or bag, to make keeping the car clean easy.
Air fresheners.
Long gone are the days of pine trees hanging from the rear view. Now, you can get air fresheners that clip right onto the air vents! This is a great way to maintain your new car that requires little to no maintenance at all.
Perform coolant fluid exchange every 36,000 miles.
It’s better to keep your cooling system in good shape all year round than to try and squeeze in repairs at the beginning of the summer. Take a look at what your car’s manual recommends and stick to that schedule.
Grease everything that moves.
We spend so much time in the cushy interiors of our cars, that often drivers forget that their car is a gear and grease machine that needs lubrication and maintenance. So don’t forget to check the oil! If you begin to hear squeaking, grinding, or other unusual noises that sound like they could indicate extra friction, then that’s your cue to bring it in for a checkup at Auto Excel, to figure out where and if grease is needed.
Protect the interior.
Sun damage is a real threat, even if it’s a slow burn when it comes to fading the colors and fabrics of your car. Investing in some windshield shades is a great way to keep the car cool and prevent fading. Parking in the shade and applying UV protectants to the seats and dash to prevent fading and wear.
Brake repair and maintenance.
Just as important as making sure your car can go, is making sure it can stop! Brake fluid, brake pads, and just about every piece of hardware and software from the pedal to the tires is crucially important to maintaining your car and keeping it safe. Don’t neglect your braking system!
If you’re looking for repairs for your vehicle, or want to know other ways of keeping your car in great shape, don’t hesitate to contact us at Auto Excel! We’re happy to help out!