There are few feelings better than finally being able to buy your own car. And when the car is as great as a Hyundai Tucson, the happiness just doubles up. However, a new car means that you now have certain responsibilities as well. It is possible that when you were younger, your parents took care of the car maintenance; mostly because it was technically their car. Now, you have to do this job yourself.
It can be time-consuming and expensive, but it is a worthy investment that will save you from major expenses down the road. Do not be like those people who believe that their car will take care of itself and only think about paying attention when the car explicitly asks for it by malfunctioning.
Instead, get into the habit of regular car maintenance to increase the lifeline of your Hyundai Tucson – or any other car you have. Not only will this prevent your car from shutting down unexpectedly, but will also make it look and feel like a new car for longer.
Following are some easy tips you can follow to keep your car in the best condition.
Keep the Windshield Clean
No, this doesn’t just mean occasionally running the wiper after the rain. A dirty, bug-splattered windshield can obscure the view of the road, therefore becoming a safety hazard. Whenever you are at a gas station, soak the whole windshield with a cleaning fluid. Then, use the spongy part of the gas station squeegee to wipe off the fluid and leave the windshield sparkly clean.
This is especially important after a long drive on the highway or when you’re coming back from a picnic or hiking trip, as your windshield will be littered with insect carcasses. If you try to clean these off with the wiper, it may end up creating a bigger mess on the windshield. While you’re at it, give your headlights a squeegeeing as well.
Regularly Check Tyre Pressure
Not only will maintaining proper tire pressure save you a lot of money in the long run, but it will also keep you safe. Whether they are over-inflated or under-inflated, improperly inflated tires aren’t as efficient at handling or stopping as a tire with proper pressure. They may even increase the chance of a blow-up.
On the other hand, a tire with proper pressure has a much longer life. In addition to that, it may even increase your car’s fuel efficiency. Since tire pressure constantly changes, it is crucial to keep a consistent eye on it. As soon as you notice that the pressure is going down, add some air to it. Make sure to check the pressure when the tires are cold for a more accurate reading.
Regularly Check Oil Level
Another crucial factor that helps your car running optimally is the motor oil. If your engine isn’t properly lubricated, the moving parts will soon start tearing and grinding each other into dysfunction. If there isn’t enough oil in the engine, it increases your car’s risk of going kaput.
Get into the habit of regularly checking the oil level of your car to ensure that things run smoothly. It is very easy to do so. Locate the engine’s dipstick; it will either have an image of an oil can or it may just sail “OIL”. Remove it and clean the whole stick with a paper towel. Afterward, put it back all the way in and remove it again.
There will be two marks at the bottom of the stick – either lines or holes. If the oil is between those two points, you’re good to go. If it is below it, add a quart of oil. Never add more than a quart. Make sure that your engine has been turned off for at least five minutes to cool down before the oil check.
Change Oil After Every 5,000 Miles
Maintaining oil levels isn’t the only way you need to keep a check on your oil. It is also important to get your oil changed regularly. A good rule of thumb is to do it every 5,000 miles. However, a little up or down won’t be much of an issue.
While it is possible to change the oil yourself, it is always better to take it to a mechanic for this purpose – especially if you aren’t properly trained for the job. Getting your oil changed regularly is one of the most important ways to keep your car running smoothly for years to come.
Change Air Filter Every 12,000 Miles
Regularly changing your car’s air filter increases fuel efficiency, reduces emissions, and prolongs the life of your engine. And it is possibly the easiest car maintenance job. This means you can do it yourself without any further assistance.
The general rule of thumb is to change your air filter every 12,000 miles or 12 months – whichever comes first. However, if you live in a particularly dusty place, it would be a good idea to do it more frequently.
Wash Your Car Regularly
No matter how clean you try to keep your car, it will always be faced with a variety of unwelcomed substances. Sun, salt, acid rain, tree sap, smog, dead bugs, grease, and grime can all damage your car in various ways. They can eat away at the paint, which can affect the look of your car over time. It will also negatively affect the resale value.
Your location and climate determine how often you need to wash your car. If you live in a particularly dusty place with a lot of pollution or somewhere near the sea, you will likely have to wash your car at least two to three times a week. If you live inland in an area where there is less pollution, once a month may be sufficient.
As you can see, maintaining your car is a simple process. It may take some effort, but will only help prolong the life of your car. So never procrastinate about it, and always stay on top of your car maintenance.
