Do you want to keep your car in tip-top shape without spending a fortune? Do you want to learn some simple and effective tricks for better car care? If so, you have come to the right place.
In this article, we will share with you 10 tricks for better car care from Chandler Motor Company Ltd, a family run business that specializes in Citroen vehicles. Chandler Motor Company Ltd has over 30 years of experience in repairing and maintaining Citroen vehicles, and they know all the secrets and hacks for keeping your car in good condition.
Whether you own a Citroen or any other make and model of car, you can benefit from these tricks for better car care. By following these tricks, you can save money, time, and hassle, and enjoy a smooth and safe driving experience.
1. Park your car in the shade
One of the easiest and cheapest tricks for better car care is to park your car in the shade whenever possible. Parking your car in the shade can protect your car from the harmful effects of the sun, such as fading, cracking, or peeling of the paint, upholstery, or dashboard. It can also keep your car cooler and more comfortable, especially in the summer.
If you can’t find a shaded spot to park your car, you can use a sunshade or a cover to shield your car from the sun. You can also crack open your windows slightly to allow some air circulation and prevent your car from overheating.
2. Clean your car regularly
Another simple and effective trick for better car care is to clean your car regularly, both inside and out. Cleaning your car regularly can prevent dirt, dust, bugs, bird droppings, or sap from damaging your car’s exterior or interior. It can also improve your visibility, safety, and hygiene when driving.
You should wash your car at least once a month or more often if it is dirty or exposed to harsh weather conditions. You should use a mild soap and water solution and a soft sponge or cloth to wash your car gently. You should also rinse your car thoroughly and dry it with a microfiber towel or a chamois to avoid water spots or streaks.
You should also vacuum your car at least once a month or more often if it is dusty or messy. You should use a handheld vacuum cleaner and a brush attachment to vacuum your seats, carpets, mats, and trunk. You should also wipe down your dashboard, console, steering wheel, and door panels with a damp cloth and a mild cleaner.
3. Change your oil and filter regularly
One of the most important and beneficial tricks for better car care is to change your oil and filter regularly. Changing your oil and filter regularly can prevent engine wear and tear, reduce friction and heat, and improve performance and fuel economy. It can also extend the lifespan of your engine and prevent costly repairs.
You should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for changing your oil and filter, which are usually found in the owner’s manual or on the dashboard display. As a general rule, you should change your oil and filter every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.
You should also use the right type and quality of oil and filter for your car, which are usually specified in the owner’s manual or on the oil cap. You should check your oil level and colour every two weeks and top it up if needed.
4. Check your tyres regularly
Another crucial and helpful trick for better car care is to check your tyres regularly. Checking your tyres regularly can improve your grip, handling, braking, and fuel efficiency. It can also prevent blowouts, punctures, or skidding.
You should check your tyre pressure and tread depth every two weeks and adjust them if needed. You should use a tyre pressure gauge to measure the tyre pressure and a tread depth gauge to measure the tyre tread depth. You should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for inflating your tyres, which are usually found in the owner’s manual or on the door jamb.
The legal minimum tread depth for tyres in the UK is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire circumference. However, it is recommended to replace your tyres when they reach 3 mm of tread depth for better safety and performance.
You should also inspect your tyres for any signs of damage or wear, such as cracks, bulges, or cuts. You should replace your tyres if they are worn or damaged.
5. Replace your wipers regularly
Another simple and useful trick for better car care is to replace your wipers regularly. Replacing your wipers regularly can improve your visibility and safety when driving in rainy or snowy conditions. It can also prevent scratches or streaks on your windshield.
You should replace your wipers every six months or as soon as they show signs of wear or damage, such as squeaking, smearing, or skipping. You should use the right size and type of wipers for your car, which are usually specified in the owner’s manual or on the wiper packaging.
You should also clean your wipers every month or more often if they are dirty or dusty. You should use a damp cloth and a mild cleaner to wipe your wipers gently. You should also check your washer fluid level and top it up if needed.
6. Keep your car well-lubricated
Another important and effective trick for better car care is to keep your car well-lubricated. Keeping your car well-lubricated can prevent squeaking, rattling, or grinding noises from your car. It can also prevent corrosion, rust, or wear and tear on your car’s components.
You should lubricate your car’s moving parts every six months or as recommended by the manufacturer for your car. You should use the right type and amount of lubricant for your car, which are usually specified in the owner’s manual or on the lubricant packaging.
Some of the parts that need lubrication are:
- Door hinges and locks
- Hood and trunk latches
- Window tracks and regulators
- Brake and clutch pedals
- Steering and suspension joints
7. Keep your car well-aligned
Another helpful and beneficial trick for better car care is to keep your car well-aligned. Keeping your car well-aligned can improve your steering, handling, and braking. It can also prevent uneven or excessive tyre wear and improve fuel efficiency.
You should align your car every 12 months or as recommended by the manufacturer for your car. You should also align your car if you notice any signs of misalignment, such as:
- Pulling to one side when driving
- Steering wheel not centred when driving straight
- Steering wheel vibrating or shaking
- Tyres wearing unevenly or excessively
You should take your car to a professional mechanic to align your car properly. They will adjust the angles of your wheels and tyres to match the specifications of your car.
8. Keep your car well-tuned
Another useful and effective trick for better car care is to keep your car well-tuned. Keeping your car well-tuned can improve your engine performance, power, and fuel economy. It can also reduce emissions, noise, and vibration.
You should tune your car every 12 months or as recommended by the manufacturer for your car. You should also tune your car if you notice any signs of poor performance, such as:
- Difficulty starting the engine
- Engine misfiring or stalling
- Loss of power or acceleration
- High fuel consumption
- Engine warning light on
You should take your car to a professional mechanic to tune your car properly. They will check and adjust the spark plugs, belts, hoses, filters, battery, and other components of your engine.
9. Keep an emergency kit in your car
Another simple and helpful trick for better car care is to keep an emergency kit in your car. Keeping an emergency kit in your car can help you deal with any unexpected situations or problems that may occur while driving. It can also save you time, money, and hassle in case of a breakdown or an accident.
You should keep an emergency kit in your trunk or glove box at all times. You should include the following items in your emergency kit:
- A spare tyre and a jack
- A tyre inflator and a sealant
- A tyre pressure gauge and a tread depth gauge
- A jumper cable and a battery charger
- A flashlight and a set of batteries
- A first aid kit and a fire extinguisher
- A blanket and a bottle of water
- A map and a phone charger
10. Take your car to Chandler Motor Company Ltd for any service or repair needs
The last but not the least trick for better car care is to take your car to Chandler Motor Company Ltd for any service or repair needs. Chandler Motor Company Ltd is a family run business that specializes in Citroen vehicles. They have over 30 years of experience in repairing and maintaining Citroen vehicles, and they offer a range of services at competitive prices.
Whether you need a routine check-up, a major overhaul, or anything in between, Chandler Motor Company Ltd can help you with their expert service and friendly staff. They can handle any Citroen issue or problem with ease and efficiency.
Chandler Motor Company Ltd also sells quality Citroen parts and accessories at competitive prices. They can supply and fit any Citroen part or accessory you need, from brake pads and discs to filters and spark plugs.
You can contact them by phone at 0117 971 6070 or by email at enquiry@chandlermotorcompany.co.uk to book an appointment or get a quote.
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