1. Your Vehicle Break-In Period
You spent your hard-earned money to buy your dream car, so you want to take care of it in a manner that will give you the most number of years of reliable transportation. Here are some things to keep in mind once you are the proud new owner of that car.
- During the first 1000 miles or 1600 kilometer you should keep your speed under 55mph or 88kpm or whatever the manufacturer recommends.
- Never let your new car idle for long periods both during the break in and throughout its life. Idling doesn’t send adequate oil through the engine.
- During the break in avoid heavy loads, such as trailer towing, during the break in period.
- When accelerating keep the engine below 3000 rpm for the first few hours of your driving.
2.Each Day Drive With Care
You should drive your car with care every day, not just during the break in periods.
- During start up don’t race your car engine, especially in the cold as it adds years of wear to the engine.
- You should not let your car idle to warm the engine. Because the engine isn’t operating at peak temperatures the fuel combustion is incomplete, causing a build up of soot on the cylinder walls, contaminate oil, and damage other components.
- Shifting to neutral at red lights reduces the strain on the engine.
- When it is extremely hot or cold avoid driving at high speeds or accelerating too quickly. This behavior leads to the need for repairs more frequently.
- You can extend your tire’s life by driving carefully. Watch for posted speed limits and comply. Avoid fast starts, turns, and stops. Do not burn rubber, avoid hitting curbs and avoid potholes.
3.When You are Stuck Take it Easy
When one gets stuck the first action is to rock the car by throwing into reveres then forward repeatedly, as well a spinning the tires. These acts are okay for a very short period of time, but if you are really stuck call a tow truck because the damage you can do will far exceed what the cost of tow truck will be.
4. Go Light With Your Keys
Does your keychain look like it could be used as an anchor? All those keys hanging off the ignition put unnecessary strain on the ignition, which can lead to the wear of the ignition tumblers. It’s best if you can keep your ignition key separate, or at the very least make sure to keep the weight on your keychain down.
5. Take the Time to Find the Best Car Insurer
No matter how careful you are disaster can strike whether it’s in the form of an accident, break in, or wind storm. It’s important that you know you have insurance with a reputable provider that’s quick to settle your claim. Make sure the insurer has a good reputation for claim payout and that they are known for being fair.
6. How to Preserve Your Car During Storage
If you are going to store your car for a month or longer, it’s important that you prevent unnecessary repairs and damage from occurring.
- Top off the gas tank to reduce/prevent condensation from being able to accumulate in the gas tank. Add a fuel stabilizer, then drive around the block to distribute it through the engine components.
- To protect the car wash and wax before storing.
- Place a 4-mil polyethylene drop cloth on the floor to act as a vapor barrier.
- Disengage your parking brake to aid in reducing corrosion.
- Put your car on jack stands. This will take off weight of the wheels and tires.
- Disconnect and remove the battery. You can place the battery on a trickle charger, or you can periodically drain the battery, with a small light bulb, and then use a low volt charger to recharge it.
- Use a rag to plug the tailpipe to prevent moist air.