Maintaining a car is difficult. You have to balance climbing gas prices and the stresses of everyday driving. However, while the former is out of your control, driving need not be as stressful if you follow the following tips to a safer, hassle-free drive.
- Always check tire pressure – Proper tire pressure will save you a lot of time, worry, and money from all the accidents and mishaps that you will be avoiding and help you keep your tires longer. Make it a habit to check the tire pressure daily before you leave, and once every month to match against the number indicated inside of your driver-side door.
- Change the air filter regularly – Changing the air filter at least once every six months improves fuel economy, giving you savings in gas.
- Do not ignore the “check engine” light – Do not fall into the common trap of complacency when you see the warning blinking. Immediately pull over and seek the help of a technician for advice instead of stubbornly pushing through with your trip. At the very least, you may destroy your fuel economy. Worse than that is having to deal with accidents that may occur.
- Keep an emergency safety kit – No matter your precautions, it is always better to prepare for contingencies. Having an emergency kit stowed away in your car’s compartment is a must for drivers. Make sure to keep jumper cables or a charged battery jump starter, a torch with fresh batteries, tire inflation tools and a spare tire, first aid kit, flare and safety triangle, a map, basic tools, and extra car fluids and water. It is also advisable to have the numbers of a technician and reliable towing service company, such as Ready Towing, to avoid getting stuck on the road. Choose towing companies that provide 24-7 services and have a reliable phone line dedicated for the job, as you want to make sure to stick with professionals who will keep you safe as quickly as they can.
- Change your oil regularly – Check your oil once a month and change it regularly. Ask your technician for the ideal mileage before changing, but it is usually somewhere between 2,000-5,000 miles. Remember that your car’s engine works very hard and needs to be taken care of.
Doing the tips above will help you maintain your car and prepare for your trip. Not only will you save money and time, it will also lessen the hassle and stress that may come with driving.
