Despite owning a brand-new car, you still have to take good care of your vehicle in order to keep it in top condition. So, even if it would feel like a new car doesn’t need much attention from you, having a proactive approach is quite essential to prevent issues that you might possibly encounter along the way. This also applies when you are so preoccupied with work that you fail to do basic auto care.
Auto Care Routines for Vehicle Owners
First off, when you just bought a brand-new car, you should pay attention to its break-in period. Every brand-new vehicle needs to undergo this routine in the first 1,500 to 3,000 kilometres. This is the period when your car’s engine and other components will settle in. Thus, you need to engage in gentle driving in order to avoid unnecessary wear. Likewise, you have to avoid hard braking or accelerating to prevent putting the engine into a lot of pressure.
Then, you also have to consider regular oil changes after your car has run around 5,000 to 10,000 kilometres. Note that fresh oil will ensure that your engine will remain lubricated and keep particles from building up. Part of this routine is to check your tyres for air pressure regularly. That is because they can deflate slightly over time. If you inflate tyres properly, it will help in improving fuel efficiency and handling.
At the same time, don’t forget to protect the paint by adding wax or ceramic coating on top of your car’s paint. Environmental factors are the main reason why your car will look older than it actually is because they can considerably damage the paint over time.
The interiors also require protection from several factors like wear, spills, and UV damage. That said, you may consider car window shades to reduce the amount of sunlight that enters the vehicle. So, it will keep the sun from damaging upholstery, dashboards, and interior surfaces. The use of custom car shades is also particularly useful in sunny climates where cars heat up quickly.
Essential Maintenance Procedures for Your Car
It is important that you stick to the essential maintenance only if you are so busy with work. Thus, you need to prioritise regular oil changes, tyre checks, and basic fluid refilling. You only have to do these tasks to keep your car running well without spending so much of your time.
If possible, schedule some reminders for your important maintenance tasks. For instance, you may consider oil changes once every six months or 10,000 kilometres. There are also apps that can help you track service dates if you prefer. On top of that, you may seek the assistance of mobile mechanics to perform basic maintenance and repairs at the comfort of your own home or workplace.
Overall, it doesn’t really take too much of your time when doing some quick checking of your tyre pressure, fluid levels, and oil. In fact, it will only take a few minutes to avoid dealing with larger issues over time.