How to Take Care of the Car You Drive in This Economy

By Chantel Wakefield 04/07/2023 12:00pm

How to Take Care of Your Car Quick Tips

Keeping up with oil changes is one of the best things you can do to care for your car.
Cleaning your car on the outside and keeping it looking good may lead to taking care of the mechanical maintenance.
Use quality replacement parts and a reputable auto shop when repairs are needed to help extend the life of your car.

For most people, a car is their second-most expensive purchase, and the costs associated with long-term ownership can add up. However, taking care of the car you already own is often significantly more affordable than buying a new one, especially if you own it outright and aren’t making monthly payments.

With proper care and regular maintenance, you can extend the life of your vehicle. You can also save money on costly repairs and reduce upkeep expenses. Below, we’ll discuss ways to take care of the car you drive in this challenging economy.

Keep Up With Regular Maintenance

Keep your car running smoothly, help retain its value, and prevent expensive repairs in the future by staying on top of your regular maintenance schedule. Refer to your owner’s manual for recommended intervals. Plan to have your vehicle regularly serviced in this time frame. Here are some tasks to stay ahead of:

Oil change: For gas-powered cars, oil changes are directly related to engine performance. Gary Hardesty, Kelley Blue Book’s in-house service and maintenance expert, explains, “Oil changes are the number one maintenance task that yields the best bang for the buck.” The frequency varies depending on your particular make, model, and the type of oil used. Generally, you should schedule an oil change every 5,000 to 8,000 miles.
Tire rotation: Rotate your tires regularly so they wear evenly. This can extend their life and improve how the car handles as you drive. Plan for a tire rotation approximately every 7,000 miles. Many car owners have tires rotated when having an oil change.
Brake inspection: The braking system is a critical safety component of any vehicle. These should be inspected often. Worn brake pads or rotors can lead to more costly repairs in the future and also pose a risk to you and other cars on the road.
Fluids inspection: Automobiles use multiple fluids that require regular inspection and replacement: engine coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and more. Check these regularly to help prevent damage and keep all systems running smoothly.
Air filter replacement: The air filter helps block dirt, dust, and other particulates from entering the engine. A dirty filter negatively affects performance and can also reduce your fuel efficiency. Replace your air filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Spark plug replacement: Spark plugs are an essential ignition system component. Dirty or worn spark plugs can cause problems with acceleration, rough idling, engine misfires, and lower fuel economy. Depending on the automaker’s guidance, you may need to replace them between 18,000 miles to 100,000 miles.

MORE: Kelley Blue Book Service Advisor

Monitor Tire Pressure

Overinflated tires can cause traction issues. Underinflated tires can reduce fuel efficiency. Both situations can be unsafe and cause faster and uneven tread wear. Check the air pressure in your tires regularly and if the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) activates the light on the dashboard. Get new tires as soon as they need replacing because they are crucial for safe driving.

Drive Smart

Aggressive driving compromises your fuel economy and can cause excess strain on your car’s major systems. This will ultimately reduce your vehicle’s lifespan. Additionally, freeway-driven miles are much better for a car than short trips, which may promote more reliability issues.

A cold vehicle is more likely to have higher exhaust emissions due to “cylinder quench,” says Hardesty, an ASE Certified Master Technician. “Excess water and fuel that collects in the crankcase are not removed since the vehicle doesn’t reach normal operating temperatures. The water then mixes with contaminants, resulting in sludge build-up.”

That situation, Hardesty explains, reduces the effectiveness of the oil lubricant and can cause premature engine wear.

So, plan each outing accordingly and combine errands if you can. Drive sensibly and smoothly. Don’t let your engine idle for extended periods, and avoid stop-and-go traffic when possible.

Keep Your Car Clean

Take care of your car by keeping it clean. Here are some tips:

Wash your car regularly: If you live in areas with lots of snow and freezing rain, road salt can damage your car’s exterior over time. Excess dirt and grime can also cause rust and compromise the paint job. Hand wash and wax your vehicle regularly to keep it looking great. Be sure to use the right products for cleaning your car. Harsh chemicals can dull and strip the finish.
Keep the interior clean: Maintain the upholstery by vacuuming often and wiping down hard surfaces. Don’t smoke in your car to prevent strong odors from setting in.
Protect your vehicle from the elements: Store your car in a garage or under a carport to help protect it from the sun, rain, hail, and other harsh weather conditions. This will help protect the paint finish over time.

Use Certified Replacement Parts

When you replace anything on your car, use manufacturer-certified replacement parts. Cheap, aftermarket parts may not perform as well as genuine OEM parts and could cause more problems further down the road. If you’re unsure of the parts’ quality, confirm with a technician at a reputable service center before moving forward with any repairs.

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Carpool or Car Share

Reduce how often you drive your car by carpooling with friends or coworkers. You can also use a car sharing service to limit excess wear and tear on your vehicle. This also is a great way to extend the time between certain maintenance tasks, like tire replacements and oil changes.

Monitor and Maximize Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is an important consideration for any vehicle. If you notice a decline, take your car to a licensed mechanic to diagnose the problem. It may indicate a more significant issue.

For electric vehicles, the battery is a critical — and expensive — component. Despite recent advances in EV battery technology, capacity will degrade over time regardless of your charging habits. For optimal battery health, limit charging on a fast charger to an 80% or 90% state of charge, according to the owner’s manual. Also, avoid waiting until the battery is low to recharge again.