Owning a car, no matter how you slice it, is expensive. Maintaining and buying a car is often the largest day-to-day expense of a household, including filling up the tank and fixing that fender bender. There are some costs that can't be avoided, but keeping your car in good condition will help keep it on the road.
Following are five quick tips to keep your car running smoothly year-round:
1. Have your brake pads changed every 30,000 kms.
When brakes wear out so slowly, you don't realize there's a problem until the brakes are severely compromised. Make sure you take your vehicle to the mechanic before 30,000 kms if you notice screeching or grinding.
2. You should regularly check the condition of your tires.
The contact point between you and the road is your tire, so it's important to keep them in good shape. Ideally, tire rotations should be performed around every 10,000 kms, and tires should be replaced when the tread becomes worn and unsafe. Use THE PENNY TEST (or a 10 cent Singapore coin) if you're not sure whether your tires need to be replaced.
3. Maintain a current level of coolant.
You need antifreeze in your engine to prevent it from overheating. In addition to keeping your engine at the correct temperature, antifreeze balances the pH levels and prevents corrosion. Coolants that are old or worn out will not perform both functions correctly and will be expensive to replace.
4. Make sure your fluids are changed.
It is easy for your vehicle's fluids to go out of sight and out of mind because they don't have to be changed very often. The transmission fluid, which only needs to be replaced every 50,000 to 100,000 miles, should also be checked regularly to keep your car in good shape.
5. Maintain a regular oil change schedule.
In your engine, oil plays a vital role. Lubrication results in less friction, which is what makes your engine run more efficiently. Consider this: An oil change costs $120 on average each year. Make sure you check your owner's manual for the best schedule for changing your oil.
Conclusion
Taking care of your car is a good idea for your wallet, your time, and your peace of mind. Although it can seem like a hassle at times, the effort is worth it over time.
Keeping a regular schedule of maintenance, whether from a service centre or by yourself, will give you a sense of ownership. You'll be able to do a much better job than some experts since you'll take your time and be able to do your assessments and repairs of your choosing. The best part is that you are improving your car's condition one step at a time.
Our team at Hin Lung Auto can give you the best options for luxury cars if you're planning to buy a second-hand car. Aside from helping you choose your new ride, we can also assist you with car insurance and maintenance. Contact us at the number below.
CUSTOMER CARE HOTLINE: +65 6472 2222