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If you just got a new car, congratulations! You’re probably excited to take it for a spin and show it off to your friends and family. However, it’s important to remember that maintaining your new car is key to keeping it in good condition. In this blog post, we will discuss six tips for maintaining your new car. Follow these tips and you’ll be able to keep your vehicle looking and running like new for years to come!
Why Car Maintenance is Important
Did you know that neglected vehicles lead to higher insurance rates? Your vehicle needs regular care and attention, just like other things in your life. Neglecting maintenance costs you money. Car care isn’t just important for car owners. Even if you never plan on buying or maintaining a car, learning about the basics of automotive upkeep is helpful since it affects all of us.
Six Tips for Maintaining Your New Car
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Inflate Tires Properly
Proper tire inflation is crucial to your vehicle’s performance and safety. Under-inflated tires wear out more quickly, cause excessive fuel consumption, increase the risk of a tire blowout, and make your car handle less effectively. Over-inflated tires will wear out more quickly and make your car difficult to steer and control. Each tire has a recommended inflation level indicated by a number (e.g., 35 psi for most passenger vehicles). Check the air pressure in all four tires once a month, or before each long road trip. Don’t forget to check the spare tire, too!
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Keep Your Vehicle Clean
Keeping your car clean is more than just a matter of aesthetics—it’s also important for safety. A clean car is easier to see in traffic, which means you’ll be safer on the road. A clean interior will also help protect your investment. Spills and stains can cause the upholstery to wear out prematurely, while dirt can scratch or damage your car’s paint job. A clean car also helps keep it running smoothly—a clean engine is a well-oiled engine!
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Change Your Oil Regularly
Oil is a vital part of your car’s engine. It keeps moving parts from becoming too hot, and helps prevent damage caused by the hard metal pieces that rub together when you drive. The longer you wait to change your oil, the higher the risk of damaging your vehicle’s engine. Keep a regular schedule for oil changes—most vehicles need an oil change every three to six months.
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Rotate Your Tires
To get the most out of your tires, it’s important to rotate them every 6,000-8,000 miles. Rotation involves swapping the location of each tire on your car. Typically you will move the front right tire to the back, and move the rear left tire to the front. This will ensure that each tire wears evenly and lasts longer.
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Replace Wiper Blades as Needed
It’s also helpful to check your wiper blades once a month—if you notice streaking, it’s time to replace them! As a safety feature, most vehicles have two windshield wipers—a lower one for normal use and a higher one for harsh weather conditions. Replacing wiper blades as needed will ensure that you can see clearly during rain, snow, or other inclement weather.
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Schedule Annual Maintenance
Just as with your car tires, it’s important to replace parts before they completely wear out. Look into scheduling routine maintenance at least once a year with the manufacturer’s suggested “service interval” (the mileage or time you should get your car serviced by the mechanic). If you notice problems, such as rough idling or shudders when accelerating, it could be an indicator that your vehicle needs more extensive servicing. Regular maintenance will help identify potential issues before they become big problems and ensure that your car runs safely and smoothly for many years.
Visit Scott’s Auto for All of Your Maintenance Needs
Scott’s Auto provides top notch car care for all makes and models of vehicles. We take car maintenance seriously and offer a number of products and services that can help you take care of your car. Whether you need an oil change, brake repair, or something else, visit a Scott’s Auto location nearest you today!
