Taking care of your vehicle is essential for keeping it running on the road. Failing to maintain and inspect it can lead to substantial costs in the future, increasing your bills and, sometimes, affecting you financially. 

Fortunately, this post can help. We take a look at everything you need to know about caring for your car and how to keep it running smoothly for years to come. 

Put It On A Preventative Maintenance Schedule

Don’t wait for your car to break down or stop working before you take it to the mechanic. Instead, put it on a preventative maintenance schedule designed to stop things going wrong in the first place. 

Preventative maintenance involves regularly checking all parts of the brakes, chassis, and engine prone to failure. You can then replace them before they wear out with OEM parts, direct from the manufacturer. 

Protect It From The Weather

Another great idea for looking after your vehicle is to protect your vehicle from the weather. Weathering can severely damage your car and cause the exterior paint to degrade. 

One good idea is to apply a sealant to your car’s exterior. This can prevent manufacturer-installed sealants from failing and allowing moisture into your car’s interior. (Consider this suggestion a priority if your vehicle is over 10 years old). 

You can also protect it from the weather by using a cover. Cover options are now available for practically every make and model of vehicle. 

Check The Tires

Maintaining healthy tires is also essential for your vehicle’s well-being. Overly worn or lopsided tires can cause tracking issues and even put a strain on the engine and suspension. 

Swapping out old tires for new ones is usually pretty straightforward. Garages use special tools to de-rim old tires and fit new ones, in a process that usually only takes a few seconds. You can opt for brand-new tires or fit your vehicle with substantially cheaper used-but-legal alternatives. 

Keep An Eye On Your Battery

You’ll also want to keep an eye on your battery and check for signs of degradation. Batteries are often the first components of many vehicles to fail (and usually at the most inconvenient times). 

Use a custom tool kit to check your battery’s health. Make sure you have all the right equipment to change wires, connection points and nodes. Don’t open up the cell itself, though: that’s dangerous. 

Replace The Air Filter

You’ll also want to regularly replace the air filter to keep your engine running smoothly. Because your car relies on internal combustion, it needs a steady supply of air to keep the reaction going. But the air filter can attract a large amount of dirt that can eventually get into the engine internals and damage them over time. 

The good news is that replacing the air filter is a simple job. You can actually do it yourself, with the right knowledge. 

Clean The Interiors

Lastly, ensure you regularly clean the interiors of your vehicle. Vacuum and clear up dirt to prevent damage to the upholstery and other elements.