Do you take good care of your car? If you’re not sure, there are a few ways you can tell.
For example, are you up to date on your oil change? When was the last time you washed it? Have you rotated the tires recently?
If these questions are starting to make you feel guilty, you might be slacking on your car maintenance. But don’t worry, you’re hardly alone. Some people lack the time or knowledge on how to properly care for their car.
We’re here to help. Keep reading for our top tips to keep your car clean and running smoothly.
Stay On Top of Oil Changes
A lot of drivers forget to have their oil changed. Some people even put it off knowingly.
However, if you want to keep your car clean, particularly your engine, oil changes are essential. As oil is cycled through your engine, it collects dirt and debris which forms a sludge. This sludge can severely decrease your engine’s performance.
In terms of auto maintenance, it’s also important to keep your oil topped off. If your engine doesn’t have enough oil, it can lead to overheating and other serious problems.
Rotate Your Tires
Rotating tires is one of the most commonly neglected vehicle maintenance tasks. However, this is important if you don’t want to go through tires too quickly.
One end of your vehicle is heavier than the other (the end where the engine sits). This leads to uneven tire wear.
Additionally, front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive vehicles experience more tire wear based on the drive train. Rotating your tires will make sure you’re not wearing out the drive tires at a faster rate.
Clean and Wash Your Car Regularly
Now let’s talk about how to keep your car clean. Most of us are guilty of throwing trash in the door compartments or on the floor next to us.
Some people are proactive and clean up after themselves right away. However, a lot of people let trash pile up over time, which can make your vehicle’s interior messy, smelly, and unappealing to passengers.
Trash is not the only culprit, however. Drivers also tend to let clothes, accessories, books, magazines, and other types of clutter pile up, leading to the same outcome.
Lastly, wash the outside of your vehicle regularly to avoid dirt and grime buildup. While it may not seem like a big deal, dirt and grime sitting on your car can start to corrode the paint. This is especially important if you live in a city where they put salt on the roadways during times of snow and ice.
Have Your Vehicle Professionally Detailed
One of the most important cleaning tips is to know when you’re in over your head. Whether you lack the time, the desire, the supplies, or the know-how, accept when you need to have your car professionally detailed.
Work with an auto body shop that specializes in detailing. They can clean out and perfect the interior and exterior of your car.
Can You Keep Your Car Clean?
We hope these cleaning and maintenance tips help you take better care of your vehicle. And remember, if you can’t keep your car clean on your own, there’s nothing wrong with paying for cleaning and maintenance services.
For more automotive advice, don’t go anywhere. Our blog was created to help people like you learn more about their cars and how to take care of them.