Four simple car maintenance tips you need to know!

Buying a first car is always a memorable experience. Then, finally, when the car comes home, you never want a scratch on it. You can always help yourself avoid adversities by driving responsibly, staying alert to other drivers and getting insured under the best car insurance.

Apart from this, every car owner should know some basic ways to maintain their car. Since this is your first car, you might be unaware of these facts. This article will help you with some DIY maintenance tips.

Four simple car matters you can take care of yourself

Of course, you can check many other elements of your car, but keeping a check on the below-mentioned factors is essential:

Check engine oil – First, ensure your car is parked on a level surface, and the engine has been off for at least five minutes. Then, open and prop your car bonnet, pull the oil dipstick out, wipe it clean on a rag, and dip it a 2nd time to get a correct gauge on the oil level. Do this regularly and if you find your oil is being used up fast, there can be underlying trouble a mechanic should observe. Therefore, it’s vital to take a look at your oil frequently.

Check coolant levels – Coolant prevents your car’s engine from getting too hot. How regularly you test coolant levels depends on how much you drive your vehicle. At least a couple of times a year is a good idea. As with your oil check, make sure the engine is not running or warm when you check your coolant. Next, open the bonnet of your car, search for the box with a brightly coloured liquid in it (generally green), and test the level against the ‘maximum’ line marked. Your car manual will tell you what you should expect too.

A blocked or dirty air filter can make your engine lose efficiency and increase the fuel intake. It is an excellent idea to change the air filter every 12-18 months or 10,000km-15,000km. Cleaning your air filter involves:

Taking the filter out carefully from its place near the hub of the engine (make sure no debris falls into the airbox)
Clean the filter with a rag and cleaning solution (sometimes putting it in a bucket to soak first is necessary)
Rinse that off and dry the filter then oilit
Carefully clean out the air filter space with a rag
Replace it in a suitable time frame

Tyre stress is something that you need to check at least a couple of times a month, depending on how regularly you drive around. It is clever to check your tyres whilst they are cold, so if you’re heading to a petrol station to apply their air compressor, ensure you’ve driven no greater than 2km at moderate speed to get there. Then, check the tyre for any obvious issues that need to be resolved and check the tyre air pressure. Most petrol stations have an automated air compressor, permitting you to quickly increase the pressure inside each tyre to its optimal level. Your car manual will tell you what this is.
When you buy a brand new car on which you spent a substantial amount of savings you want it to run well for an extended period and stay in good condition. So as a responsible car owner, it is vital to keep your car well maintained and safe from financial risk by getting insured with comprehensive car insurance. You can get an online car insurance quote and select what suits your needs. After that’s done, make sure to keep following all the tips mentioned above.