You can improve your auto’s performance in a number of simple ways. While some methods are quick and easy, others require more time and effort. Often, it’s not always clear exactly how to take better care of your auto. Here are 10 proven maintenance steps to increase its efficiency.
-
Upgrade Your Vehicle Cautiously
When you upgrade your car, verify the parts work with its make and model. For example, when adding more advanced gauges to a Volkswagen Golf GTI, only use GTI parts tested to work for it to ensure accurate readings.
-
Keep Your Auto Clean
Clean engines perform better than filthy ones. Dirt, grime, and other debris clog up a motor and decrease its performance. When you wash your car regularly, both inside and out, it not only enhances its appearance but also improves how well it runs.
-
Check Your Tire Pressure
Under-inflated tires reduce fuel efficiency and cause handling problems. Regularly check and inflate your tires. Make sure there are no nails or anything else stuck in them that could cause problems while driving. Tire problems are a leading contributor to fatal accidents.
-
Change Your Engine Fluids
Establish a routine for checking engine oil, coolant, transmission, brake, and power steering fluid.
Change your car’s oil based on its make, model, type of oil, and driving style. Automakers recommend changing the oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or 6 to 12 months for newer vehicles. If, however, you drive in stop-and-go traffic or tow a boat or camper, change it more frequently.
When the engine is cold, check the coolant level in the overflow tank. Since the level drops as it evaporates and is absorbed by the engine, the cooling system can overheat when it gets too low and air gets in.
When the motor is warm, check the transmission fluid level. You don’t need to change fluids unless they become dirty or degraded. However, in dusty conditions, change it more often.
Check the brake fluid level monthly. Brake components can corrode and fail when water accumulates in fluid over time. This occurs because of moisture in the air. Mechanics recommend changing this every two years.
-
Use Synthetic Premium Oil
Be selective about the oil you use. High mileage automobiles that use synthetic premium motor oil cars perform better because this oil has additives that lubricate the engine.
-
Fine Tune Your Engine
Your ride will have better gas mileage and produce less pollution after it’s tuned up. This harmonizes all automotive systems. Ask your nearest garage or dealership to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when servicing your car.
-
Prefer OEM Parts
A product designed for a specific make and model is called an OEM, or original equipment manufacturer. Although consumers can replace their original components with aftermarket parts at a cheaper price, this will only work if they are as good as an OEM.
-
Change Your Air Filter
Clean air filters protect and improve engine performance. Over time, dust, dirt, and debris accumulate in the air filter, limiting airflow. That not only decreases fuel efficiency but also increases wear and tear on the motor.
-
Avoid Excessive Idling
In the morning, many car owners idle their cars for 5 to 10 minutes on a cold morning before pulling out of the garage. The behavior is based on a misunderstanding of how engines work. Idling too long wastes gas and wears out your machine. Your vehicle will last longer if you don’t idle too much.
-
Improve Your Driving
Your driving style impacts your car’s performance. Speeding and hard acceleration can decrease fuel efficiency and stress your engine. Keep your car running smoothly by avoiding sudden stops.
These simple tips will help you improve your car’s performance and keep it running smoothly for years to come.
