Buying and maintaining a car is a huge responsibility that cannot be taken lightly. In addition to obtaining insurance and proper documentation, there are simple tips and tricks to ensure your vehicle remains well-maintained. This includes driving it properly, keeping the interior clean, maintaining engine efficiency, and more. Here are some ways to take care of your car or truck, ensuring it stays in good condition for a prolonged period.

Drive with care
Driving carefully means driving safely on the road and taking care of your car while driving. Do not overburden the engine by racing it during the start-up, even if it is cold outside. Always be gentle and follow the correct instructions. Make sure to accelerate slowly when starting the drive, which helps keep the engine less worn out. Also, when stopping at signals, keep the car gear neutral.

Buy gas from a trusted source
It is important to be cautious when choosing a gas station to fill up your car. There are some stations that do not regularly change their pump filters, which can lead to dirty gasoline that can harm your car’s engine. To avoid this, it is recommended to inquire with the gas station employee about their filter maintenance. It is also important to know that some stations may water down the product. It is always best to find a gas station that you can trust and rely on for clean and high-quality fuel.

Choose a good insurer
When it comes to driving, safety should always be a top priority. However, even the most cautious drivers can still find themselves in accidents. That’s why it’s important to choose a reliable insurance provider that will cover the cost of repairs after an accident. Look for an insurer that offers coverage for original manufacturer parts and guarantees authorized repairs. This way, you can be confident that your car will be taken care of properly.

Park in the shade
Parking the car in the garage is ideal, of course; however, if there is no garage available, you must always pick a spot that is shaded. This protects the car from any damage that is usually caused by the damaging UV lights that not only destroy the paint job but also the interiors of the car. Parking under a tree is usually not advised because it can result in coming back to a car with bird droppings which damage the paint again. It’s best to use a car shade, whether it’s the foldable type that can be placed on your windshield and rear window or the pleated kind that attaches to your windshield posts, window frames, or windows.

Clean the inside of the car
Washing the car from the outside does not keep the vehicle completely clean. Spend some time vacuuming and sponging the interior as well. This will clean up any spilled drinks, dirt particles, and such. Use the right machine to keep the car clean because using harsh chemicals may spoil the seat color and even the exterior of the car. It’s best to use a mild detergent and water mix for surface cleaning. Always be mindful of the products you use to keep your car looking its best.

Use floor mats
To protect your floor carpet from excessive wear and tear over time, it’s recommended to use floor mats. These mats prevent mud, spilled drinks, and other debris from reaching the carpet. These floor mats can easily be removed from the floors and cleaned thoroughly with a detergent and water hose. If the mats wear out, they can be easily replaced. Invest in these accessories to keep your carpets looking like new for years to come.

Dash gauge cleaning
This can often go unnoticed, so it is important to pay extra attention to this small unit inside the car. Use a soft damp cloth to clean out the surface, and make sure you do not put too much pressure when cleaning this. The small dust particles can easily scratch the surface, making reading information under it difficult. So be gentle with this cleaning and detail.

Keep an auto log
One habit that car owners often overlook is keeping an auto log. This log should include a record of all the times the car has been serviced and washed and details about gas mileage and fill-ups. It’s important to pay attention to any signs that your car may need additional maintenance, as this could indicate a potential problem. By taking your car for a quick maintenance check, you can prevent further damage from occurring.