How to Maintain Your New Car

A single of the reassuring qualities of modern cars is that they need much less-frequent service to keep them running well. Altering the spark plugs, breaker points, and condenser used to be a seasonal exercise, and body corrosion were accepted as a normal if unfortunate hazard of aging. Now many spark plugs can go a hundred, 1000 miles between changes. Electronic ignition has been doing away with the points and condenser. Chassis, suspensions, and even some transmissions are best hatchback cars lubed for life. In addition to factory rust-through warranties typically run six years or longer. What's more, stability has improved significantly. The result is that many late-model cars and trucks should be able to go 200, 000 miles with regular upkeep.

When you buy a brand new car, you may ask how to maintain your new car and want to prolong your car's life.

Below are a few simple, periodic checks and methods you can do that will help you arrive.

Check the engine olive oil

The very first key way to maintain your brand-new car is checking the engine oil regularly-monthly for an automobile in good condition; more often if you notice an oil leak or find you need to add oil routinely. The car should be parked on level ground so you can get an accurate dipstick reading. May overfill. And if you do have a drip, find and fix it soon.

Check tire air pressure

The second key way to maintain your new car is looking at tire air pressure once a month and before any extended road journeys, use an accurate tire-pressure gauge to check on the inflation pressure in each tire, including the spare. Do this when the tires are cold (before the car has been driven or after no more than a few of miles of driving). Use the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle's manufacturer, not the maximum pressure embossed on the tire's sidewall. The recommended pressure is usually found on a placard on a front door jamb, in the glove inner compartment, or in the user's manual. Also be certain to inspect tires for abnormal or uneven wear, cuts, and any sidewall bulges you can see.

Give it a rinse

The 3rd key way to maintain your brand-new car is to try to rinse the car every week if you can. Wash the body and, if necessary, hose out the fender wells and undercarriage to remove dirt and road salt. It's time for you to wax the finish when water beads become greater than a quarter.

Meanwhile, when your car running for 200, 000 miles, there other things you need to pay attention.

For normal driving, many automakers recommend changing the engine oil and filter every several, 500 miles or six months, whichever comes first. This is sufficient in most of motorists. For "severe" driving with frequent, very cold starts and short outings, dusty conditions, or truck towing--the change interval should be shortened to every 3, 000 miles or 90 days. (Check your owner's manual for the specific intervals recommended for your vehicle. ) Special motors such as diesel and turbocharged engines may need more-frequent oil changes.

 Look into the air filter

Remove the air-filter aspect and hold it up to a strong light. If you may see light, replace it. Regardless, the actual recommended service intervals.

 Look into the constant-velocity-joint boots

On front-wheel-drive and some four-wheel-drive vehicles, examine these bellowslike rubber boots, also known as CV boots, on the drive axles. Immediately replace any that are cut, cracked, or leaking. If dirt contaminates the CV joint it can easily lead to an expensive fix.

Inspect the exhaust system

If you are prepared to make under-car inspections, check for rusted-through exhaust parts that need changing. Also, tighten loose magnetic clamps. Do this while the car is up on ramps. If a shop changes your oil, have them make these checks. Pay attention for changes in the exhaust sound while driving. It's usually recommended to exchange the whole exhaust system all at once rather than to repair sections at different times.

Look at the brakes

For most people it makes sense to have a shop check and service the brakes. If you manage your own brake work, remove all wheels and examine the brake system. Replace excessively worn parts or linings, and have badly scored rotors or drums machined or changed. The brakes should be checked at least two times per year; more often if you drive a whole lot of miles.

 Examine the liquids

On many newer automobiles, the programmed transmission is sealed. On cars where it is not sealed, check the transmission dipstick with the engine moderately dewrinkled up and running (see the owner's manual for details). Also, check the power-steering-pump dipstick (it's usually attached with the fluid water tank cap) and the level in the brake smooth reservoir. If the brake smooth level is low, top it up and enjoying the system checked for leaks.

Thoroughly clean the radiator

Prevent reaching extreme temperatures by removing debris with a soft brush and washing the outside of the radiator with a detergent solution.

 Look into the battery

Check the battery's ports and cables to make certain they are securely attached, with no corrosion. If the battery pack has removable caps, check its fluid level every few months particularly in hotter climates.

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