Essential Used Car Maintenance: Tips To Keep Your Vehicle Running

Posted Tuesday, Dec 10, 2024

When purchasing a used car, it’s important to note that it comes with the responsibility of constant maintenance to ensure its functionality and longevity. By following these simple car maintenance tips, you can safeguard the credibility of your care and keep it running smoothly for years to come. In this blog plot, we’ll teach you how to maintain a used car with a few car maintenance tips. 

1. Change Oil Periodically: 

One of the most primary aspects of used car maintenance is ensuring regular oil changes. Refer to your car’s model and manufacturer for the kind of oil and oil changing intervals best suited for your used car. The presence of oil lubricates the engine and helps to reduce friction and overheating. Overtime, the oil in your car breaks down thereby, becoming less effective which can lead to engine damage. 

2. Clean Your Air Filter: 

The air filter in your car is designed to prevent dirt and dust particles and other forms of debris to prevent reaching your engine. However, the filter of your car can only stop the particles for so long until it becomes clogged. The engine is basically the heart of your car, to maintain proper engine performance and it’s longevity, routinely change or replace your air filter if necessary. 

3. Clean Your Car

Proper maintenance of your car isn't just reserved for the internal mechanics but rather keeping the interior and exterior of your car clean helps retain its value and overall outlook. Remember to regularly clean your car, such as vacuuming, wiping down the dashboard and any other flat surfaces and applying stain remover for any stubborn stains. For the exterior, send your car to a washing service or manually wash your car to remove dirt and grim from the tires. To maintain the shine of your car, apply wax routinely for proper paint protection. 

4. Remember to Rotate Your Tires

The most important feature of your car is the durability of your tires. Perform periodic checks to maintain your tire pressure and inspect any signs of wear and tear. Worn tires can prove to be fatally dangerous for driving under drastic weather conditions. Remember to maintain proper tire rotation which helps ensure the longevity of your tires and maintain stability for proper grip on the road. 

5. Change Your Tires

If you have severe worn out tires, the safe thing to do is change them. While it’s not mandatory to change your tires, it is worth investing in to ensure your safety. An important aspect of ensuring car maintenance is switching your tires to winter/snow tires who provide more grip during rainy weather conditions. Depending on where you live, where heavy rainfall or blizzards may cause problems if you’re driving with your used car. 

6. Inspect Your Brakes

Another important aspect of used car maintenance is to regularly inspect your brakes for your safety on the road. Ensure the functioning of your brakes by a professional and implement recommendations if necessary, such as replacing brake pads and rotors. If you notice any issues while driving such as delayed braking, have your brakes inspected immediately. 

7. Check All Fluids And Implement Replacements 

If you think your car does not contain any fluid, think again. Various fluids in your car play an important role in ensuring the functionality of your car. Conduct regular checks and replace fluids such as engine coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid and power steering fluid as mentioned as the manufacturer’s manual. Ensuring the presence of every vital fluid, help’s the proper functioning of every component in your vehicle.

8. Battery Care and Maintenance

When buying your used car, you immediately check to ensure the condition of the battery as it is the running source of the car. Conduct weekly checks to test the voltage and keep a look out for corrosion signs at the ends of its terminals. If you face any difficulty or problems while starting your car or your vehicle suddenly shutting down while driving, consider having your battery inspected or replaced if required. 

9. Replace Your Wipers

Another factor of maintaining your used car involves replacing your windshield wipers periodically. These rubber blades help prevent heavy snow or rainfall from blocking your view of what’s ahead, which can be a hazard while driving. However, the safety your wipers provide can deteriorate overtime considering that they have to endure harsh weather conditions and even the sun beaming on them. These external factors can lead to bumps or tears in the rubber of your windshield wipers, leading them to be of no help when you most need them. Instead of suddenly finding out the poor quality of your wipers, invest into your safety and remember to change them on a regular basis. 

Maintain Your Style and Your Used Car with Honest Auto’s

While car maintenance tips go a long way, the condition of your used car plays an important role in maintaining its longevity. For used car buyers in Florida, Honest Autos brings a line of reliable used car options for you to select from. Buying from a trusted used car dealership helps to determine the longevity of your car on the road with the continuous practice of used car maintenance tips. We offer the complete history of the car you choose and provide ample financing options despite your credit score. Take care of your wallet by taking care of your used car, with our checklist of car maintenance.