How Your Car is a Lot Like Your Home
When you purchase a new home, you take on many additional responsibilities as a result. Your home is a unique and highly complex set of systems that you have to keep running well or you’ll find that your quality of life will rapidly begin to suffer. In the same vein, your car is also a complicated system and it needs regular maintenance to operate at its best. In both of these cases, you have to be ready and able to put in some work. While some people may pay someone else to fix things on their vehicle, you can actually maintain a few components without shelling out that much cash.
The tires
A lot of people don’t realize this, but the tires are a significant part of your vehicle. So many people ignore the condition of the tires until one pops or goes flat. However, these issues can be prevented without putting in too much extra work. Check the tire tread and do the penny test by putting a penny with Lincoln’s head into the groove. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, the tread is too low and the tire should be replaced. Don’t forget to check the air pressure, too. A small air compressor might cost a lot up front, but it can save you time and money when checking your tires at home. Properly filled tires mean they work best and don’t wear down on the tread as much.
The interior and exterior
Detailing your vehicle isn’t just about feeling comfortable in it. Getting rid of the dirt can keep your upholstery in good shape and will help it last longer. It can also prevent buildup that could interfere with the accelerator and brake pedals and keep them from working the way they should. By cleaning your vehicle, inside and out, you also have the chance to find if anything is beginning to go wrong or break down.
The fluids
Changing your vehicle’s washer fluid before winter is a great way to keep it from freezing. Changing the oil isn’t that difficult either and is essential for keeping the engine working as long as it’s supposed to. Be sure to check out the ultimate guide to engine oil and other maintenance, and be informed enough to take action.
This is a collaborative article.
The News Wheel is a digital auto magazine providing readers with a fresh perspective on the latest car news. We’re located in the heart of America (Dayton, Ohio) and our goal is to deliver an entertaining and informative perspective on what’s trending in the automotive world. See more articles from The News Wheel.