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Making Light of the Lotus EliteShow Your Car Love with Our Car Care Tips
Everyone needs love – including your car. Check out our car care tips that will show your car that you truly love it. Your car will thank you later!Everyone needs love – including your car. Check out our car care tips that will show your car that you truly love it. Your car will thank you later!
Car Care Tips
Your car takes care of you every day, so it is only fair that you give it the love and appreciation that it deserves. The best part about it is that you don’t need to be a mechanic to do a lot of it! There are simple acts of kindness that you can do regularly to show your car that you really care.
Some of these tips are simple enough to do on your own even if you don’t have a lot of mechanical knowledge. Others might require a quick trip to your local garage, but they are still important in keeping your car in tip-top condition.
It is important to always read your owner’s manual to find out the recommendations set by the manufacturer. The recommendations vary from model to model.
So, let’s get to it and find out how you can show your ride some love!
Wash Your Car Regularly
Regular car washes will keep your car looking its best. Even if you’re not a stickler for keeping your car shiny, car washes still play an important role in maintaining your car. Washing your car removes dirt, debris, and chemicals that could harm your paint and the metal underneath it.
You’ll want to use a high-quality car wash solution to help remove things like tar, tree resin, and road salt. You’ll want to wash the entire outer surface from the roof to the wheels and everything in between. Be sure to get inside your wheel wells, around the edges of your doors, and underneath the car as well. These areas are susceptible to corrosion because road salt and dirt can hide there and eat away at the metal.
Wax Your Car
After you get through washing your car, it is important to keep a coat of wax on it. Waxing your car is like coating it with a protective shell. It can keep your paint from chipping, protect it from scratches, and repel water. It can also make your car look like a million bucks!
There are many different types of car wax on the market including pastes, liquids, and sprays. Be sure to follow the application directions included with the product. Ideally, it is recommended that you wax your car every 3 or 4 months, but many times once a year is sufficient.
Watch Out for the Sun!
Too much sun isn’t good for anyone, and that includes your car. The sun can have adverse effects on paint leading to fading and oxidation; the sun can also open pores in your paint finish leading to potentially faster corrosion. The sun can also cause your dash to crack due to overheating and UV exposure.
Park your car in the shade when possible. When you park it in the sun, use a windshield sun visor to protect your dashboard from direct sunlight. If you plan on parking your car for an extended period, park it in a garage or cover it with a UV-resistant car cover.
Vacuum the Interior
Keeping your car clean on the inside is just as important as keeping it washed and waxed. Carpet and upholstery can get soiled easily, trapping dirt and debris. This can lead to discoloration, stains, and even bad odors.
Use a vacuum cleaner to vacuum the carpet and all upholstered surfaces including cloth door inlays. Be sure to vacuum in the crevices of the seats, in between the seat and the console, and under the seats. Be sure to vacuum the rear seats too even if you don’t use them regularly. This will help remove any pollen or dust that has accumulated. Vacuum out the trunk too!
Check Fluid Levels Regularly
Checking fluids is easy to do on most vehicles. There are several different types of fluids in your car that need to be checked regularly.
These include:
- Engine oil
- Transmission fluid
- Engine coolant
- Brake fluid
- Power steering fluid
- Windshield washer fluid
Be sure to read your owner’s manual to find out what is recommended. Also, be sure you can locate where you replace the fluids and be sure you put the fluids in the correct place. Power steering fluid in your brake reservoir could be catastrophic!
Check Your Windshield Wipers
Checking your windshield wiper blades is important to keep your windshield from possibly getting scratched as well as keeping you from driving blind when it rains. You’ll want to look at the edges of the windshield wiper blades to make sure that the rubber is not cracked or torn. Check the clip where the blade attaches to the wiper arm to make sure it is still firmly in place. If you have a rear wiper blade, be sure to inspect it too.
If the blades are cracked or damaged, be sure to replace them with the recommended windshield wiper blades. Your local auto parts store can assist you if you don’t know what your car uses.
Check Belts and Hoses
Checking your belts is important because it can save your vehicle from serious damage. You can visually inspect the belts for cracks, splits, or fraying. Look for slick spots on the underside of the belts which could cause the belt to slip. If your car has been making squealing sounds, this could be because of an excessively worn belt.
Be sure you twist and squeeze the belt as you inspect it to look for hidden damage.
Replace Your Air Filters
Keeping your air filters fresh is important for your engine. The air filters keep dirt and debris from getting into the engine which could cause serious damage. Your local auto parts store can help you select a new filter for your car. Most air filters can be replaced using minimal tools.
Check Your Battery
Check the battery for any sign of external damage such as cracks or swelling. Tighten the cables on the battery terminals and make sure they are nice and tight. If you spot any corrosion around the terminals, you can use a mixture of baking soda and water to remove it.
If you have been having slow cranking or losses of power, the battery may need to be replaced.
Check Your Wheels and Tires
Your wheels and tires keep you rolling down the road, so you must inspect them for any signs of damage or wear. Check the tire tread using a tread depth gauge. Visually inspect the outside and inside sidewalls to make sure there are no bulges. Check your tire pressure using a tire pressure gauge and refill with compressed air (you can find the recommended PSI on the side of the tire).
Check your wheels for cracks and excessive rust. This can lead to failure of the wheel and possibly cause a serious accident!
Take a Day to Care for Your Car
It doesn’t take a lot of effort to take great care of your car. You can perform these tips in one day. Make yourself a checklist every time you go to wash your car and check things off. This will ensure that you stay on top of the maintenance and keep your car from falling out of love.
In love, sometimes it’s the little things that count the most. Use these car care tips to keep the romance alive between you and your car.
