Looking after a family car can be quite an arduous task. Because the vehicle gets so much use, it is also prone to deterioration, making it potentially unsafe (which is something you’ll want to avoid at all costs if you’re carting kids around).
What’s more, failing to maintain a family car will also usually cost you a lot more in the long-run. You’ll often find that your bills go up quite a bit if you don’t pay proper attention to it.
So, what do you need to do?
Change The Oil And Filters
You’ll want to start off by changing the oil and filters on the vehicle following the manufacturer’s instructions. For most cars, that’s about 10,000 miles. But it can be less if you have a performance vehicle.
Always check you’re using the right viscosity. If you don’t, then some manufacturers will void your warranty and you’ll need to pay for any repairs out of pocket.
Check Your Tyre Pressures
If you’re using your family car a lot, you’ll also want to check the tyre pressures regularly. If these are wrong or uneven, it can lead to large costs later on (due to damaged suspension and brake components).
Only inflate your tyres to the level that they can sustain and not beyond that. If you go too high, that can often be as bad as going too low.
Take Your Car To The Wash
You should also get into the habit of taking your car to the wash. Removing the dirt and other elements is essential.
I use a car wash near me every week or so, just to make sure. If you have a lot of dirt on your vehicle, it can damage the paintwork over time, and cause it to wear away sometimes.
Carry Out Regular Brake Inspections
It’s a good idea to get into the habit of carrying out regular brake inspections, too. While brake failures are rare in modern vehicles, it is often worth doing it for the peace of mind.
The most common issues are with brake fluids. If the fluid is dark, then it can mean that there has been some sort of contamination.
Check For Air Filters
Another thing you should do to make your vehicle last longer is to check the air filters.
Start with the engine filters. These ensure that the air intake into the engine is clean and that the fuel burns purely. If it is dirty, it can damage the engine compartment and lead to expensive repairs.
Next, move onto the cabin filters. These need replacing to keep the air conditioning unit clean (and to protect you from pollution on the road).
Drive Well
Finally, make it a habit to drive well on the road. If you’re gentle with your vehicle, it’ll often last longer.
For example, avoid harsh braking and acceleration unless it’s necessary. Also, use cruise control where you can on highways. Most modern vehicles have this feature, enabling even wear on all the tyres.
Image Credit: depositphotos.com
