The quality of a vehicle all comes down to how well it’s cared for. That’s why you want to make sure you keep your car in tip-top shape so it’ll last for years to come and also have a good resale value if you decide on purchasing a new vehicle or trading yours in.
If you’re curious about how to keep your car in great working condition, we’re here to help by offering a list of 5 tips for how to care for your car. Take a short break from looking into the services offered by REI BlackBook, and let’s get right into it.
Oil Changes
If you go too long without getting an oil change for your car, it could lead to serious consequences down the road (pun intended). Getting regular oil changes for your car helps to extend its engine life, your car’s longevity, and helps keep mileage down. Clean oil is paramount to keep your car running smoothly and safely, and you want to aim to get it changed between every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
Tune-Ups
Just as important as regular oil changes, you also want to make sure that your car gets frequent tune-ups. While you don’t have to get tune-ups as often as you get oil changes, you want to make sure to get one at least once a year. Tune-ups make sure that your car is functioning safely and efficiently. Without yearly tune-ups, you run the risk of experiencing costly car issues at some point.
Tire Rotation
There are plenty of benefits to getting regular tire rotations for your car. Without regular tire rotations, you’ll soon experience poor alignment or tires that aren’t balanced. This will cause your tires to wear unevenly causing poor mileage and less safety when it comes to being behind the wheel. It’s a good rule of thumb to get your tires rotated every other oil change, but any reputable car mechanic will be able to tell when it’s time for your car’s tires to be rotated.
Interior & Exterior Cleaning
Cleaning is an essential part of taking care of your car. When you stay on top of cleaning the interior and exterior of your car, you increase the likelihood of your car selling for a fair rate if you choose to sell your car or trade it in for a new one.
Protect from Extreme Conditions
Taking good care of your car means protecting it from extreme conditions. When your car is exposed to extreme conditions, like intense heat, hail, or damaging winds, then there’s a high chance your car will be damaged. Try and park your car in a garage or under a carport to protect it from inclement and unsavory weather.