There is no better feeling than driving your brand new car off the forecourt. The smell of fresh wax in your nose, the roar of a perfect, untouched engine. It’s the kind of feeling that petrolheads live for. Unfortunately it disappears so quickly! A few months later and the finish is dirty, the tyres are beginning to wear and you’re jumping a dead battery. Fear not! It doesn’t have to be like this; you can keep your dream car in mint condition for longer. Here’s how.
Tyres
Understandably, the tyres are the first to go. They are in direct contact with the road, and wear down fast. Our first pro tip is to keep them at the correct pressure. Your new car will come with a suggested tyre pressure level. That number is there for a reason and you should stick to it. If the tyres are too flat, it puts a lot of pressure on the engine and will cause early failure. Secondly, keep an eye on the tread depth and don’t let it slip below 2mm. Check the pressure and the tread depth every other week.
Fluids
The key to a long, healthy car life is the engine. In order for the engine to remain healthy, all the moving parts around it must work effortlessly and smoothly. When everything works perfectly, the engine is free to breathe and work at its best. It all starts with fluids. The oil will keep all the moving parts flowing over each other. It stops them from grinding, eroding and damaging the engine. Check the level regularly and replace it completely every 3,000 miles. You should also keep an eye on the coolant, brake fluid and power steering fluid.
Servicing
Just like healthy humans, cars need a regular health check. Most new and used cars now come with a warranty that includes regular servicing. The likes of Thames Motor Group provide servicing and repairs as part of a package, for example. It’s well worth taking advantage of these deals. The experts will spot potential problems well before you can; it could save you a fortune on future repairs.
Clean it
Cleaning your car isn’t just an aesthetic job. It will actually help the paintwork and body chassis last much longer. Cars are very susceptible to rust, and regular washing will help keep it at bay. Dead insects and animal droppings can also erode the metalwork. Surprising, but true! Learn how to wash your car properly with wax, buffers and chamois leather. It’s the best way to keep it looking ‘showroom new’.
Monitor the electrics
Most modern cars are based around electronic circuits. They power every aspect of the car and detect early warning signs. You can tap into these circuits with new smartphone apps. They’ll help diagnose any problems and help you avoid major repairs.
Don’t let your brand new car deteriorate! It’s your pride and joy, and it’s important to keep it that way. Don’t be scared to get under the bonnet and underneath the car itself. When your car still runs like a dream five years later, you’ll be pleased you did.
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