Taking Care of Your New Car: Six Important Steps

With the cost-of-living crisis that is affecting many people around the world at the moment, if you are lucky enough to be able to purchase a new car (whether it is brand-new or new to you), you must take care of it.

Doing so will improve the longevity of the car’s life, ensure it is safer to travel in and keep it looking (and sounding!) good.

Here are six important steps you should take.

Regular checks and services

The importance of regular vehicle checks and services at an expert auto repair garage cannot be overstated. Doing so helps to keep your car in top condition and avoid expensive repairs in the long run. Some of the common checks include oil, fluid level, brakes and tyre pressure. It is useful to check these prior to embarking on long car journeys. Additionally, yearly (or more regularly if your car does higher mileage) services at a reputable garage can help to reduce the possibility of your car requiring major repairs as this can detect issues sooner. After all, a professional is far more likely to have available rivet tools, torque wrenches and bolt removers, for example, than you will at home.

Improve security

Cars are precious commodities and for some people, a theft waiting to happen! Ensure that you always lock your car and be sure to keep valuables elsewhere. If you have keyless entry, ensure you keep your key in a special pouch to prevent anyone from being able to clone it. Additionally, a GPS tracker can ensure you are able to trace your car if the unthinkable does happen.

Keep it clean

One of the most important things you can do to keep your car in top shape is to keep it clean both inside and out. Dirt, grime and salt (think of the amount of grit on the roads in winter) can harm your car over time, so it is vital that you regularly wash your car to avoid corrosion, paint damage and rust. Additionally, cleaning the interior of your car ensures longevity and decreases the risk of any damage.

Protect the paintwork

The paintwork is a vital component of your car, and it should be protected at all times. Make sure to wax and add protective coats to your car at least once or twice annually to help protect it from chipping, sun damage and fading. If you have your car valeted, this might be a service that they can offer.

Drive responsibly

Driving carelessly will not only put your vehicle at risk of accidents but also cause unnecessary wear and tear. While a Car Accident Lawyer can help protect your rights after a collision, prevention through safe driving is always recommended. Now, some of the best driving practices you should embrace include avoiding harsh stops and starts, being gentle with your steering-wheel, observing traffic signs, driving to the conditions and avoiding sudden motions. Maintaining a safe following distance and checking your mirrors frequently helps prevent rear-end collisions. Additionally, staying focused and avoiding distractions like mobile phones significantly reduces accident risk. Adopting cautious driving habits means less wear and tear and lowers the risk of severe damage.

Be mindful of your surroundings

Your driving environment can impact the wear and tear of your car significantly. Always be mindful of parking near trees or shrubs, in case of stray branches or other falling debris can cause scratching or dents. It is also important to be cautious of speed bumps, potholes or uneven road surfaces that can cause undue damages to the vehicle’s suspension or undercarriage. If you do find that your car isn’t feeling quite right when you drive it is worth taking it to auto repair experts in Langley or wherever is local to you, to give your car a good check over and repair anything that needs fixing. It’s always best to trust your gut feeling when it comes to your car.