Your car can be your lifeline in many situations. Whenever you need something from the store, to get away, pick up a friend, or make appointments, your car is how you will get from point A to point B. You need to take care of your car so that you can have safe and reliable transportation to and from your destinations.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 700 adults 65 and older are injured in car crashes each day. You want to be able to get into your car without worrying about breaking down while you’re driving. Keep reading for ten ways you can take care of your car in your retirement years.
Clean your car regularly
Not only should you keep the outside of your car clean, but you also should keep the inside of your car clean. You can prevent your vehicle from rusting by keeping the outside of your car clean. When there are rust spots under the car, many pieces can begin to fall off without you even knowing.
Oil changes
Oil changes are necessary. You do not want to drive continuously if you are well past your oil change mileage. You may want to consider an oil change every 4,000-5,000 miles, but it does depend on your car and the oil you use. However, fresh, clean oil will keep your engine running correctly.
Check engine light
As soon as your check engine light turns on, you will want to take it into a shop or dealership to get it checked out. It may be something simple or complicated, but it is better to be safe about it than sorry.
Heating and cooling systems
You want to keep a close eye on your car’s heating and cooling system. If you notice the temperature of your vehicle is too hot, that means your vehicle is overheating, and you will want to stop driving as soon as you can. You can melt certain parts of the engine when the car overheats.
Check for leaks
Many liquids are needed to help keep your car running. It is important to know what is leaking, whether it’s your oil, gas, or coolant. You may tell what liquid it is based on the color or smell, but it is best to get it checked by a mechanic. There could be severe damage, or a cap may be too loose.
Change and rotate tires
Tires are an essential feature. Tires keep you safe on the road during severe weather conditions. When tires are too bald, it can be dangerous to drive while it is raining or snowing. You always want to check your tires to see the tread depth because if they are too shallow, you may want to consider new tires. You should also rotate and balance your tires frequently.
Check the air filter
Whenever you get your oil changed, the mechanic will generally check your air filter. The air filter helps keep specific contaminants from getting into the engine. If you don’t check your air filter, it can cause more engine problems down the road.
Examine the brake pads
Whether you rotate your tires or have them done by a mechanic, you will want to check your brake pads. Your brake pads help your car stop by creating friction. When the brake pads are thin, you may hear your car squeak when you brake, or it may take longer to come to a complete stop. Brake pads are important for safety as they help stop the car.
Don’t drive on empty
Driving until you only have a few miles left in the tank is not a good idea. Not only is it dangerous in case something happens, and you can’t make it to a gas station, but it also is not suitable for your engine. You can affect the pump’s fuel filter and therefore cause damage to your engine.
Drive safely
Taking care of your car means driving safely and not recklessly. You can damage your vehicle and tires when you don’t slow down for speed bumps or potholes. Additionally, you want to avoid slamming on your brakes and give yourself more time to coast to a slow stop. Slamming on your brakes can cause accidents, especially if there is heavy traffic around you.
Conclusion
When you take care of your car, it can be reliable and last for many years. Not only is this financially beneficial, but it keeps you safe. A reliable car and safe driving can keep you from needing severe medical attention and hospitalization.
