Finally, the winters are here leaving behind the hot and sultry summers. Though, this season is the favorite of many, it is important to prepare for the winter, by following some basic car maintenance tips. Your car is a very expensive investment, and winter time is often very rough on cars. Let us discuss maintenance tips, and we will also discuss renewing your car insurance online.
We will discuss ten basic maintenance tips to help you keep your car in shape over the winter. You should follow all of these tips, as they will ensure your car will continue to run smoothly.
Battery Maintenance
The battery of your car needs to be maintained for it to function at optimal capacity. If you park your car in the garage for days during the winter or are not driving it as much, you should always run the engine for a few hours every week to keep the battery charged, or use a trickle charger that you keep connected to the battery. Lead-acid batteries do not like being fully drained, as this can cause sulphate to form on the battery plates, requiring the battery to be replaced if it is severe enough.
Car Insurance
Renew your motor insurance online. Third party car insurance will not cover damage to your vehicle that occurs due to lack of maintenance. It is advisable to switch to fully comprehensive insurance.
Coolant Levels
Coolant levels should be checked regularly. Coolant keeps the engine cool, without it the engine can overheat and become damaged. The coolant tank is often near the engine; the coolant flows through the radiator. Only replace coolant when the car is cool. The coolant should be mixed with water in a 1:1 ratio.
Air Filter Maintenance
You need to replace the air and fuel filters now and again. This ensures clean air gets to the engine. If you live in a polluted area or drive on dirt roads, you may need to replace the filter sooner in comparison with if your area has lower levels of pollution and paved roads.
This is not a replacement you can do yourself unless you are a mechanic, so ensure you contact a reputable mechanic to do this job.
Have A Regular Mechanic Check Up
Have a mechanic check your car now and again. They may discover latent problems that have not yet had any symptoms, such as a near-dead battery or worn parts.
Timing Belt Replacement
This is a maintenance tip that is often overlooked. The timing belt ensures the engine valves open and close at the correct time by synchronizing the camshaft and crankshaft rotation. You should replace the timing belt every 100,000 to 150,000 km. If the timing belt snaps while you are driving, it can destroy the engine beyond repair or damage valves which is still a costly repair.
Tire Care
Replace any tires that look worn. A worn tire can cause the car to slip and slide on roads, make braking difficult and can cause other problems. Drive carefully and do not do hard accelerations, and you will extend the life of your tires.
Spark Plug Replacement
The spark plug that ignites the fuel in the engine can become worn over time. A common symptom – are odd engine sounds. Replacing the spark plug now and again can also help with emission problems.
Engine Oil Levels
Check engine oil levels regularly. Ensure your car is cool and then pull out the oil dipstick. Wipe it and then re-insert the dipstick. Remove it again and check if the oil level is still good. If not, replenish the oil with good quality motor oil. Do not use any cheap brand for this, as this can result in costly problems later.
Repair Windscreen Chips
If you have a glass chip on your windscreen, get it repaired. Otherwise, water freezing or a sudden shock to the windscreen can cause a large crack to spider out from the chip, requiring a full windscreen replacement.
We have discussed the common car maintenance tips you should follow here. Follow these tips carefully, renew your car insurance online on time, and consider making the switch from third party car insurance to comprehensive motor insurance online. Following these maintenance tips will keep your car functioning at its best for years to come. Buying car insurance online is the best and the most time saving way and thus, you must consider this option.
