Simple Ways to Better Car Care

Start your Car and Get Moving

Modern automobiles don’t need to warm up. Older cars used to take 5-10 minutes to “warm-up,” but with new cars, it is best to get your car to its proper operating temperature as quickly as possible. Accelerate, steer, and brake gently for the first few minutes after you start your car, and once the engine temperature has been raised you can drive normally.

Don’t “Roll Shift”

Always come to a complete stop before you shift into reverse from drive, or drive from reverse. If you don’t come to a complete stop, you can seriously degrade the life of your automatic transmission, which can be a very costly repair.

Use your parking brakes on hills

To avoid another costly mistake that most people make, use the parking brake when you’re parked on a hill. A small pin in your transmission locks it into place when you’re in park. If you’re on a hill, that small pin is the only thing holding your car in place. By using your parking brake, you take the stress off of your transmission.

Don’t ride the clutch

Always strive for smooth and seamless shifting. Manual transmissions can be damaged by improperly releasing the clutch pedal, pushing it in too far or not enough, or riding it past the point of engagement. You can greatly increase the life of your transmission by driving smoother.

Always Fill Your Tank

Fuel pumped from an empty tank, the fuel may carry oxygen, moisture and deposits into the fuel line which could damage your fuel filter and fuel pump. Always fill your tank anytime it’s less than 1/3 full. Allowing your tank to run dry or low will build up deposits on the bottom that can lead to problems.

Beware of Additives

Unless your auto technician recommends a product, it’s generally not wise to put additives into your oil, transmission fluid, or gasoline. There are delicate chemical balances that could be disrupted by adding these kinds of products.

Wash your car with products designed for clear-coat paint finishes

Using dishwasher detergent for washing your car is hazardous to your car’s finish. The abrasives in dishwasher detergent can weaken the clear coat and dull the finish. Special soaps designed for today’s clear-coat finishes are available pretty much anywhere.

Follow your vehicle’s maintenance schedule

Every car comes with a maintenance manual that outlines the scheduled times for your car’s maintenance. Changing your oil, filters, spark plugs, and other components according to your car’s specific needs will keep it running better and longer.