If you’re like most people, your car is one of your most prized possessions. So it only makes sense that you want to keep it running in tip-top shape. To do that, you need to know some essential automotive tips and tricks.
Here are 20 of the best:
1. Regularly check your vehicle’s fluid levels and tire pressure. This is one of the simplest but most important things you can do to keep your car running smoothly.
2. Make sure you have a good set of jumper cables on hand in case your battery dies. Nobody wants to be stranded on the side of the road with a dead battery!
3. Always keep a spare tire in your trunk in case you get a flat. Again, you don’t want to be stranded!
4. Know how to change a tire if you do get a flat. This is a good skill to have regardless of whether you have a spare tire or not.
5. Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid getting stranded with an empty tank.
6. If your car starts making strange noises, pay attention and take it to a mechanic as soon as possible. Ignoring potential problems will only make them worse (and more expensive to fix).
7. Get your car serviced regularly according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. This will help keep it running properly and prevent major issues from developing down the road.
8. When washing your car, be sure to use a gentle soap and avoid scrubbing too hard. You don’t want to damage the paint!
9. If you’re going to be driving in cold weather, make sure your car’s antifreeze is up to date. This will help prevent your engine from freezing.
10. In the summer, keep an eye on your car’s coolant level to make sure it doesn’t get too low. Otherwise, your engine could overheat.
11. When parking in the sun, try to find a spot that’s shady to minimize the risk of heat damage to your car.
12. If you’re going to be away from home for an extended period of time, consider getting your car detailed before you go. This will help it stay clean and protected while you’re gone.
13. If you live in an area with a lot of wildlife, be extra careful when driving at night. Deer and other animals are often more active after dark, so it’s best to avoid them if possible.
14. Always use your turn signal when turning or changing lanes. It’s the law, but it’s also courteous to other drivers on the road.
15. When merging onto a freeway, make sure you’re up to speed before getting into the flow of traffic. Otherwise, you could cause an accident.
16. Don’t tailgate! Not only is it rude, but it’s also dangerous. If the car in front of you stops suddenly, you could rear-end them and cause serious damage (or even a wreck).
17. When driving in bad weather, be extra cautious and give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. speeding is never worth the risk, no matter how good of a driver you are.
18. Don’t use your phone while driving! It’s illegal in many states, but even if it’s not, it’s still extremely dangerous. If you must make a call or send a text, pull over to a safe location first.
19. Always buckle up! Seat belts can save lives, so make sure everyone in your car is properly buckled up before hitting the road.
20. Drive defensively and be aware of your surroundings at all times. This is the best way to avoid accidents.
By following these tips, you can help keep your car running properly and avoid accidents. Remember, safety should always be your top priority when behind the wheel!