Auto Repairs in Culver city
A car kept in good condition lasts longer, holds its value better, and is more fun to drive. Such cars or vehicles are made of sturdier materials, are low maintenance, and have longer lifespans. Good vehicles also save you money on gas and insurance.
Here are 8 ways to keep your car in good condition:
1. Clean the interior regularly
Wash and vacuum carpets, seats, and mats as often as needed to remove dust and dirt buildup. Clean the dashboard with a damp cloth, then dry thoroughly. Polish vinyl upholstery with a cleaner made for that purpose or one designed for tires (do not use cleaners containing waxes or abrasives).
Wash plastic parts only if they’re dirty; otherwise, use a product like Plexus Plastic Cleaner & Polish that cleans without removing protective coatings.
2. Change oil on schedule
Follow the instructions in your owner’s manual about how often change the oil (it can vary by model and year). [If you don’t have an owner’s manual, check your vehicle on the Internet or the back of the driver’s door.] Have a mechanic change the filter when you get new oil. This is the number one maintenance item that will keep your engine healthy and happy—and extend its life as well as save you money down the road. Remember to change your oil filter at regular intervals; most manufacturers recommend every other oil change. Carrying extra oil and a filter in your trunk enables you to top off if necessary.
Regularly changing the transmission fluid can help ensure that your car shifts smoothly between gears by keeping the hydraulic components within the transmission properly lubricated. Keeping this fluid clean also reduces wear to valves, pumps, and bands inside your transmissions—which means you’ll get better gas mileage over time.
3. Rotate tires according to instruction
It’s usually every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) and sometimes more often if needed. If tire rotations aren’t mentioned in your owner’s manual or on your sticker next to the fuel gauge, ask service personnel at your dealership or garage for advice about how often they should be done with different-sized tires . When rotating tires, make sure new ones go at the rear and carry spares in case a tire goes flat on the road.
4. Inspect tires regularly
Inspect your treads for any sign of irregular wear or damage, especially bulges or tears that can signal a blowout. If you have bald tires, replace them with ones that have a good amount of tread before going into winter weather.
Remember: When one tyre wears faster than others, it can throw off the car’s handling characteristics. So if all your tires are worn, replacing them at the same time is probably best.
5. Change windshield wipers every 6 to 12 months
Replace broken blades that fail to wipe properly, making your path hard to see during rainstorms or snowfalls. Worn wiper inserts may also fail to keep the glass clean, so inspect them regularly and replace them as needed. Use a razor blade to remove any ice from your windshield before turning on the wipers.
7. Add fuel stabilizer every fall
Stabilize gasoline by adding a fuel additive at least once a year—more often if you drive in hot weather or high elevations that can lead to fuel evaporating more quickly. One additive is good for up to 25 gallons (95 L), and won’t clog your engine’s carburetor.
Run an empty tank of gas through your car once a month throughout the winter months, because gas will absorb moisture from humidity and condensation during this time. At that time, prepare your car for storage by topping off the gas tank, cleaning the interior and exterior windows, checking tires for pressure, and filling them to recommended levels.
8. Fix small dents and scratches
Another way to keep your car looking new is to maintain it properly. Maintaining your car includes changing the oil and making sure tires are not bald. Inspecting windshield wipers and adding fuel stabilizers both come with the job of maintaining a car. Taking care of all the parts inside and out will keep your car looking good as new for many years. If you don’t want to bother with body filler, touch-up paint (in original or matching colors) is available at auto-parts stores.
For larger damage, take your vehicle to an expert for repair or Keeping a car in pristine shape can be difficult work, but doing these few things will make a world of difference. It’s important to look at dent removal before going to a body shop.
Prevent rust with wax or plastic coatings. Lubricating moving parts that typically rust—such as a car’s door hinge—with a light spray of lubricant (WD-40 is fine) will keep them from sticking and causing dents and scratches as you open and close doors.
Wipe away any excess before it seeps into the metal because it can attract dust, dirt, and grime. Wash your car regularly (or as often as your paint manufacturer recommends for your particular finish), using warm water and a gentle, nonabrasive soap approved for automotive use (or one specifically designed for painted surfaces).
Then rinse thoroughly; don’t be tempted to “rinse and dry” your car by hosing it off with a garden hose. If you don’t have access to a power washer, use the spray nozzle on your garage’s sink and rinse under running water—just make sure you clean all soap residue from crevices and cracks before moving onto the next step: drying. When washing your car in direct sun or if the surface is hot to the touch, always be sure to wipe down those areas once they’re dry to prevent water spots.
In conclusion
A good way to keep your car in new condition is by maintaining it. Because there are many parts of a car that can need looking after, make sure you do all the necessary work such as adding a fuel stabilizer and checking the windshield wipers. By keeping up with all these small things, your car will stay looking like new for years to come.
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Need to repair your vehicle? Manuel’s Auto Body Shop offers free esTimates