Regardless of how well you are taking care of the car, sometimes bad things happen. We are talking of course about an accident so it’s best to be protected at all times. Try to opt for an insurance company which will agree to pay for original components produced by the car’s manufacturer. If you have more money to spare, opt for those extended warranties to get more coverage. You might want to keep an auto log in the car where you will record every gas fill-up and also mileage. If gas mileage is getting worse and worse, mention this to the mechanic where you get your car serviced since it could represent a sign that something is not working as it should.
If you know that the car won’t be used for a longer period of time (more than a month), it is highly advisable that you store it properly in order to avoid damages which will cost you steeply. The first step that you have to do is fill the gas tank since by doing so condensation will not accumulate in the tank. You might want to add a fuel stabilizer and take the car for a quick spin so that the additive will be distributed to the engine components.
To protect the finish of your vehicle, you should wash and wax it, along with placing a vapor barrier on the garage floor. To avoid having issues with brake corrosion, it’s best to disengage the parking brake, while putting the car on jack stands will remove the weight of the automobile off the tires and wheels. Some mechanics also recommend disconnecting and removing the battery so that it won’t drain. The car battery should then be placed on a trickle-type charger.
In addition, you should use a rag to plug the tailpipe as this will prevent moist air from going inside. If you don’t have a garage to store the car, try to find a parking place in the shade so that you’ll minimize interior cabin damage caused by heat the UV sunlight. Parking it under a tree is not a wise idea since bird dropping seriously damages the paintjob. A viable alternative would be to use a car shade which will lower the impact caused by the sun and will also keep your car cooler when you’ll return to use it.
Moving on to other tips for extending the life of your car, try to sponge and vacuum the interior every time you wash the exterior of the automobile. While spilled liquids can be corrosive, dirt particles are abrasive and they both cause damage to the interior. The interior has to be vacuumed by using a more powerful vacuum so it’s best to avoid a small cordless one since these lack the necessary power.
For the clear plastic lenses it’s recommended to use a soft damp cloth but avoid applying too much pressure as you can end up scratching the gauges. If this happens and there are a lot of scratches, it can be tricky to read them under sunlight.
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