Keeping your car in top condition is essential in cities like Mexico, to avoid causing traffic and delay in your path. We share some useful tips for your vehicle.
Cars can be the best road mates, however, when they fail, the repercussions can be very large, both in time and money.
United Services Automobile Association experts recommend these five basic maintenance steps to help your car prevent maintenance or repair costs:
1. Read and have your vehicle Maintenance Program on hand
Each car brings an official manual full of recommendations for regular maintenance. The manufacturer can't force you to follow it, but it would be smart if you did. Among other suggestions, for good maintenance the manual explains how:
- Change the oil and frequency to do so.
- Check and make sure the fluids are the right color and are at the right level.
- Know the type of fuel that is best used in your vehicle, whether premium, diesel, or Magna.
- The user manual provides a wealth of information.
2. Keep tires in good condition
The motorist's manual suggests how often a mechanic should change tires. Check the condition of your tires regularly to make sure they are properly inflated and that the tread is still at a safe level. This means that quiet rides have better fuel efficiency as well as a lower risk of tire bursts.
3. Listen to your car
People don't speak the same language as dogs, but whoever has one learns to "read" the signs that tell them their puppy is hungry or wants to go out on the street. In the same way, you can understand what cars communicate.
When you hear squeal or can-knock noises, it means you must check the brakes. Does the steering wheel tremble more than usual on smooth roads? That's an indicator of potential problems in the future. Don't ignore sounds or signals from your vehicle that may or may not be consistent overnight. Listening to your car can help avoid costly repairs. If something in the car feels wrong, it probably is.
4. Practice good driving habits
Be nice to your car. Don't try to make it go from zero to 60 in three seconds. Slow starts cause less tension in the engine. As you accelerate, gently change speeds. And don't expect it to stop at a 50-cent coin, that hurts the brakes.
5. Keep your car clean inside and out
Both the exterior of the car and underneath it are punctuated by garbage, debris, and road dirt, such as hot tar, dirt, insects, or assorted objects. Over time, these items can damage vehicle components, including engine parts and the external body structure. As for the interior, you'll enjoy it more and increase its resale value if you keep it clean, well-kept, and tidy.
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