Easy Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Used Car in Good Shape

Easy Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Used Car in Good Shape “I saw this car at an online auto auction, listed for sale at a throwaway price, but I am not sure how maintained it is. Do you think I should be buying it?� Questions like these often car buyers have when they are not sure about the maintenance of a car, regardless of an irresistible offer price. The reason is that buyers are usually skeptical about buying a shabbily maintained car, and think hard even if it saves them a few dollars now, they may end up paying more for its repairs.

Whether you buy a brand new car from a showroom or a used car from an an online auto auction, only regular maintenance keeps a car in good condition and fetches good resale value in the future. Here are five maintenance tips on how to keep your used car in good condition.

Check the battery and replace when needed You may face the possibility of your car battery leaking, or it has buildup on the contacts. Such a situation is avoidable by using a battery tester. For cleaning, you can use a battery cleaning brush if dirt particles are stuck there. Another preventive measure is to invest in a jump starter to ensure that the battery can be charged with the help of another car’s battery. If the battery has gone beyond the 4-5 year expiration date, then it is ideal to replace it.

Change the cabin and engine air filters Cleaning up the interiors of the car from dust and germ are as important as keeping the engine of the car in good condition. You can change the cabin air filters yourself, but to change the engine air filters perfectly, you better off calling a mechanic. Clean engine filters ensure better mileage, acceleration, and longevity of the engine.

Check the fluid levels You can learn some basic maintenance skills to maintain your car. One example can be checking various fluid levels including coolant, power steering, and wiper. Checking the fluid levels in your car can help you realize when they need to be refilled or changed.

Replace oil regularly Checking oil is another basic yet important maintenance activity. Checking oil, however, is not an easy task. So, you should ideally consult a mechanic to check the oil levels. If the oil has murky or muddy grime in it, get it replaced. To have a rough idea about the frequency of check, a simple theory of 5000-6000 miles or once every six months should be enough.

Check lights and air pressure You need to check frequently if any parts of the car are dysfunctioning. If you find something, replace them immediately. For example, lights of the car run on battery, and regular usage of the lights can make the car battery exhaust. This, in turn, hinders the smooth running of the car. Checking the car tire pressure helps in getting a better mileage.

Conclusion Maintaining your car is as necessary to keep it in good shape. Regular maintenance ensures that the car runs well without any glitch, and also reduces the possibilities of unwarranted expenses in the long run. The maintenance guidelines discussed in this can help you keep your vehicle in the roadworthy condition and get you better resale value.