Every car owner benefits from their vehicle being in great condition.
Keeping a car as close to new as possible leads to better performance, a higher sell-on value, and a more pleasant experience whenever you use it.
Here are our top tips to help you keep your car in its best condition.
Get it serviced
Getting to know the service intervals outlined by your car’s manufacturer and sticking to them is probably the most important step to keeping your car in great condition.
There are lots of moving parts in a car and they will need replacing from time to time to ensure that your vehicle stays in its best condition.
Servicing will nip any big problems in the bud before they have a chance to develop, and although regular servicing may mean some extra expense, it will ultimately lead to savings in the long run.
Keep it clean
If you take the time to keep your car clean, you are more likely to look after it in other aspects as well.
Once there are a few dents and scuffs or a layer of dirt on your bodywork, it is easy to go down a slippery slope of not caring for your vehicle at all, so make sure to get any cosmetic damage fixed immediately and regularly wash your car.
Remember to use purpose-made products, like sponges and shampoos that are designed specifically for cars, otherwise that cleaning product you found under the sink could scratch or fade your car’s paintwork.
Check its fluids regularly
The fluids running through your car are its lifeblood, and keeping them topped up will do wonders for your car’s mechanics.
If you get into the habit of doing this yourself, you will find that you will get to know your car better and be able to tell when something is not right yourself, so you can catch problems before they have a chance to develop.
Look after its tyres
Tyres in good condition will give better road handling and ensure shorter stopping distances.
This can be the difference between avoiding an accident or not, which could undo all the hard work that’s been put into keeping your car in great condition in an instant.
Check the tread depth and air pressure of your tyres properly every few weeks.
Keep it in a garage
This tip might not be practical for everyone, but if you do have a garage, we recommend you use it to store your car.
Keeping a car under cover protects it against the elements when it’s not in use, so it won’t feel the effects of the rain, snow, or the sun’s UV rays, which can fade its paintwork.
Your car is likely to be worth thousands, if not tens of thousands, of pounds, so if your garage is currently occupied by other items, it may be worth asking yourself if you’d rather not use it to protect what is likely one of the most expensive items you own.
If you don’t have a garage and your car spends long periods not in use, an all-weather protective cover, such as this one from Maypole, is a great investment.
Keep this tips in mind and you’re sure to keep your car in great condition, which will make it safer, more pleasant to drive, and more valuable if you ever come to sell.