Budget-Friendly Tips to Keep Your Car in Good Health

Owning a car can give you freedom to explore, to create your own adventures and memories alongside the practical elements of life. However is something goes wrong with your vehicle it can often (literally) put a spanner in the works and can become costly to fix.

Preserving the lifespan of your car is imperative to both your yearly outlay for your vehicle and for it’s resale value should you decide to sell it for something else. Here we look at a few budget-friendly ways that you can do this to keep you on the road for longer and improve your overall driving experience.

Regular Oil Changes & Fluid Checks

First, it is important to keep on top of your car’s various fluids, as this will keep the engine and other components working smoothly and prevent premature wear and tear. You should perform regular oil changes based on the manufacturer’s recommended intervals and ensure that you are always using the right type of oil for your car. You can find affordable and reliable service centers by searching for car servicing near me to ensure you keep up with oil changes without breaking the bank.

*It is important to check all of your cars fluid levels to ensure optimal vehicle health.*

*You should perform regular oil changes based on the manufacturer’s recommended intervals.*

You should also check and top up the following fluids:

Engine coolant

Brake fluid
Windscreen washer fluid
Power steering fluid

Monitor Your Tyres for Safety & Savings

The car tyres are a key area to focus on as they are in constant contact with the road, which means wear and tear is a common issue. Proper tyre maintenance can also improve your automobile's performance, efficiency, and safety.

This maintenance should include checking the tyre pressure with a tyre gauge and topping up as and when required - properly inflated tyres reduce rolling resistance and help save on fuel costs.

*Proper tyre maintenance can also improve your automobile's performance, efficiency, and safety.*

*Reducing short trips by opting to walk and you can improve your overall fitness…win win!*

You should also monitor the tyre tread depth (1.6mm is the legal minimum) and rotate your tyres for even wear.

Avoid Short Trips Where Possible

Taking frequent short trips in your car can put unnecessary stress on the engine, battery, and exhaust systems, as the car does not have time to warm up to the optimal operating temperature. Reducing short trips or combining them can protect your car’s longevity and help you save on fuel (and reduce your environmental impact) and if you opt to walk can improve your overall fitness…win win!

Every season in the UK can present its own challenges for car owners. Keep up with the changes with regular services to make sure your car is running well. It will save you in the long run as they can identify problems before they get worse and more importantly expensive.

Keep Up With Seasonal Maintenance

Every season in the UK can present its own challenges for car owners. Colder temperatures can affect the battery and tyres, while warmer months can put strain on your cooling systems. Here are a few key tasks for winter:

Check battery health
Switch to winter tyres
Top up antifreeze
Pack winter emergency kit

And for summer you will want to:

Check coolant levels
Test air conditioning system
Check tyre pressure regularly
Check fluid levels

*Keeping the car clean prevents rust, corrosion, and damage to the paintwork.*

Maintain a Clean & Protected Car Interior & Exterior

Finally, you need to maintain a clean and protected car interior and exterior. Keeping the car clean prevents rust, corrosion, and damage to the paintwork. Regular washing, waxing, and exterior cleaning can protect against the UK's wet and salty roads, especially in coastal areas.

These are all cost-effective ways to extend the lifespan out of your vehicle, which should help you get the most out of your car and make significant long term savings meaning you can enjoy life and all the places your vehicle takes you!

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