If you have just bought a new car, congratulations! There’s nothing quite like being handed the keys to your brand new ride and driving off into the sunset. But, of course, it’s not all fun and games. If you really want to enjoy it for a long time, keeping it in good condition is important. Here are five tips on how to take care of your new vehicle!
new car care tips southern maryland

Garages & Carports

If possible, always keep your vehicle in a garage or under a carport when not in use. This will help protect it from the elements of nature like rain and heat. If you do not own a garage or you don’t have good coverage where you live, then consider purchasing an all-weather car cover. But be careful when taking it on and off so you don’t scratch your paint!

Keep it Clean

Obvious, but extremely important. Regular cleaning will keep it looking shiny and new. It is recommended to wash your car at least every two weeks or every time you notice grime building up. Also, make sure to use a high-quality soap or detergent that won’t damage the paint job.

Interior cleaning is just as important. Wipe it down regularly to remove stains and prevent dust accumulation. You can vacuum the floors every couple of weeks or whenever you notice a lot of dirt. One accessory we recommend are mats because they will keep stuff of the floor and they’re easier to wash. You just spray them off and reinstall in them.

Oil Changes

Have the oil on your vehicle changed around every three to five thousand miles or according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Doing this will help avoid engine failures and other problems down the line.

Check Your PSI

Check your tire pressure at least once a month and before long drives. Consult your manual (or the sticker on the inside of your door) to see what the PSI should be for optimal performance and fuel economy. You might find that the recommended pressure is a little higher or a little lower than the standard set point.

Respond to Problems Quickly

Did your check engine light come on? Are you hearing strange noises when you brake or accelerate? Is your vehicle shaking? It might be tempting to ignore it and keep going. But that could be dangerous. If you can’t take care of it right away, make sure to get the issue checked out as soon as possible. Ignoring minor problems will sometimes lead to bigger issues down the road.

So there you have it, 5 tips that will help keep your car clean and running well for years to come. The best way to learn more about your vehicle is by reading our blog. We write about everything from wheel anatomy to vehicle maintenance. So, enjoy learning more!

Have a damaged wheel in Southern MD? We can help!

 

Prevent Stuff From Freezing

Add Antifreeze to Your Engine

Antifreeze is designed to stop liquids in your engine from freezing. This means that even when it’s icy, snowy, or hailing outside, your car will be protected from internal damage like cracking and leaking.

Use Washer Fluid that’s Resistant to Freezing

When you’re driving, visibility is everything. And sometimes, a good washer fluid can be a fast way to clear your windshield of unexpected debris. But frozen washer fluid doesn’t do you much good. So use a cleaner with a low freeze point in the winter!

Keep Your Gas Tank At Least Half Full

This is a good rule of thumb in any season, but it’s especially important in the winter. Why? The most obvious reason is that if you get stranded with an empty gas tank, you’re in for a long, cold wait for help to come.

But it can also damage your car if condensation forms on the inside of your gas tank and freezes. It can cause engine corrosion, tank corrosion, and other expensive problems!

Always Have These Tools In Your Car

Have you ever woken up to find your windshield covered in a sheet of ice? Have you ever been driving in snowy conditions and gotten stuck? Then you were probably super grateful if you had the following supplies in your trunk. And if you didn’t, well, you were probably annoyed. And very late to your destination. Don’t be that guy. 

Here are the supplies we recommend you keep with you:

 

  • Ice Scraper
  • Snow Brush
  • Shovel
  • Gloves
  • Warm Blanket

P. S. The warm blanket won’t actually help you get ice off your car. But if you’re stuck waiting for assistance, you’ll definitely be glad you had it with you.

A few simple preparations can go a long way to ensure your car is as safe as possible in the winter. Check your tire pressure, use washer fluid that doesn’t freeze, and keep at least half of a tank full before you set out on the road. And don’t forget emergency supplies like an ice scraper and snow brush! These tools will help you stay safe in dangerous weather.

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