Maintaining your car’s performance is key to running it smoothly and lasting longer. There are a few things you can do yourself to help support your car’s performance, and there are also some services you can take advantage of to keep everything in good condition. Keep reading for some tips on best maintaining your car’s performance!
What causes a car’s poor performance?
When you first buy a car, it will naturally perform perfectly. But over time, as you put more miles on the odometer and the car starts to age, things can go wrong. There are a few common reasons for a car’s poor performance:
- dirty oil
- clogged air filter
- bad spark plugs
- low tire pressure
- overheating engine
Each of these problems can lead to a decrease in your car’s performance and, if left unchecked, can cause severe damage. That’s why it’s essential to be proactive about maintaining your vehicle and addressing any issues as soon as they arise.
Maintaining your car
A vehicle is a significant investment. While state-mandated inspections can help keep things running smoothly, there are several other maintenance tasks you should be performing on your own to extend the life of your car. Here are some tips:
Check your oil regularly and change it when necessary
Dirty oil can cause a decrease in performance and lead to engine damage. Check your car’s owner’s manual to see how often you should be changing your oil, and don’t forget to dispose of the used oil properly. In most cases, you’ll need to change oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
Change your air filter.
According to some estimates, a clogged air filter can decrease performance by up to 10%. That’s because it restricts the flow of air to the engine, making it less efficient. A dirty air filter can also lead to decreased fuel economy.
Most carmakers recommend changing the air filter every 12 months or 12,000 miles, but it’s good to check it more often than that and change it if it looks dirty.
Have your car serviced
As mentioned, several car services can help to maintain your car’s performance and prevent problems down the road. Rust prevention is one example. Rust can cause severe damage to your vehicle, so it’s essential to have any rust spots repaired as soon as possible.
Other services that can help maintain your car’s performance include engine tune-ups, transmission service, and brake service.
Always check your tire pressure.
Having the correct tire pressure is crucial for many reasons. Not only does it help improve gas mileage, but it also helps with your car’s handling and braking. Check your tires’ sidewalls to see what the recommended tire pressure is, and use a tire gauge to check your current pressure. You must check your tire pressure at least once a month.
Maintaining the correct tire pressure will help improve your car’s performance. First, it can improve gas mileage by up to 3.3%. That might not seem like much, but it can add up to significant savings over time. Additionally, inflated tires will last longer and provide better handling and braking.
Keep your engine cool.
An overheating engine can lead to decreased performance and even severe damage. Check your car’s coolant level regularly and top it off if necessary. You should also have your cooling system flushed and refilled according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. This is typically every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.
Take care of minor repairs
Once you notice a problem with your car, it’s essential to take care of it. Don’t let minor issues turn into big ones. For example, if you notice a strange noise coming from your engine, have it checked out rather than ignoring it. The same goes for any warning lights that come on your dash. Don’t mistake thinking that a small problem will go away on its own.
Keep your car clean, both inside and out.
A clean car is a happy car. Not only does it look better, but it also runs better. That’s because a clean engine is a more efficient engine. So, wash your car regularly and vacuum the interior to keep things clean. If possible, go for professional detailing services every few months to make your car shine.
A final word
Maintaining your car’s performance is crucial to keeping it running smoothly. By following the tips above, you can help extend the life of your car and prevent serious problems down the road. Don’t wait until something goes wrong to take care of your car – be proactive and stay on top of maintenance tasks to keep things running smoothly.