Regular car maintenance is essential to ensure that the best used cars stay in good running order and on the road for longer. In the following article, Drive Direct offers helpful maintenance tips for used car owners. 1. Regularly Maintain and Repair Your Car Regular maintenance is vital to keep your car in good running condition. Have the oil and filter changed at least every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Oil lubricates the parts and reduces friction that causes wear. Regular oil changes will ensure that your engine runs smoothly, and your car lasts longer. more Get repairs done as soon as you experience any car trouble. Minor issues will be detected early on and repaired effectively before more damage occurs, which could lead to expensive repairs and even replacements. If you hear strange noises, smell unpleasant odors, or see smoke, act fast and take your car to a qualified technician for repairs. 2. Keep an Eye on the Fluid Levels The fluids in your car are essential for keeping the parts well-lubricated and cool. Check the engine oil, coolant, brake, transmission, and power steering fluid levels at least once a month to ensure that they are at the correct levels. Also, check the color of the fluid. Ask your technician to replace the fluid if it looks dirty or cloudy. 3. Check Under Your Car for Leaks Check under your car for puddles on the ground. You can also look when you pull out of a parking space if there are wet spots where you were parked. Puddles under your car are an indication that there is a fluid leak. Get this sorted out as soon as possible to avoid further damage. 4. Inspect and Clean the Battery Inspect that the battery connections are tight and that the terminals are free of corrosion. If you spot corrosion around the terminals, use a solution of baking soda and water and clean the build-up off with a brush. Check that the case is not swollen or cracked. If the battery case is damaged, it's best to replace the battery. If you don't know the age of the battery, ask your technician to perform a battery test to determine if you need to replace it. 5. Check, Inflate, and Rotate Your Tires at Regular Intervals To reduce wear, keep your tires inflated to the correct pressure levels. The PSI for your tires is on the inside of your driver's door. Inspect the tires for bubbles and cracks and check the tread depth at least once a month. If you rotate the tires every time you take your car for an oil change, your tires will wear evenly and last longer, saving you money. Good upkeep will ensure that your vehicle lasts longer, is fuel-efficient, and is safe on the road. Best of all, regular maintenance will save you thousands of dollars on unexpected and expensive repairs. Visit Drive Direct today for a wide selection of top-quality pre-owned vehicles and exceptional customer care. Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License
Aside from the engine, a vehicle's transmission is one of the most crucial, and expensive, parts of your car. If it breaks down entirely, a full rebuild or replacement can be one of the most costly fixes during your vehicle's lifetime. When you know what to look for, you'll be able to catch any issues your transmission is having so you can bring it in for transmission repair instead of a complete overhaul. 1. Delayed Gear Shifts If you're shifting from park into drive or are beginning to accelerate after a full stop, your automatic transmission should change into the proper gear on its own. A transmission that is failing won't engage immediately, or you might notice that the RPMs surge, but the engine doesn't. A similar response can happen in a manual transmission, although that can often be remedied by replacing the clutch. more 2. Leaking or Low Transmission Fluid Levels Any leaks from your car are worth looking at, but transmission fluid will be easy to quickly identify. It is the only fluid in your car with a sweet smell that is red in color. If you see this type of liquid staining your driveway or garage floor, you have a transmission fluid leak. This leak will cause low fluid levels and may cause damage to the mechanical parts it has been leaking on under the hood. 3. Burning Smell (With or Without Smoke) If your car is smoking under the hood, you will take notice and know something is wrong. The smell of something burning when you turn off your engine, even without smoke, is just as bad but it's better to catch it at this stage before it escalates. If you want to save yourself the cost of needing to replace the transmission completely, have your vehicle serviced immediately if you begin to notice an odor similar to burnt rubber. 4. Unfamiliar Sounds No one knows your vehicle the way you do, so if you begin to hear a sound that is unfamiliar, don't ignore it. When a transmission is breaking down you may start to hear sounds as subtle as humming or whining, or there may be louder grinding or clunking noises. It could be a simple fix like flushing contaminated fluid or it might be something more serious like metal rubbing together creating debris. 5. Engine Service Lights Check engine lights are not just for the engine. The engine is the beating heart of your car so it is connected to every other part, including your transmission, and can detect an issue that needs maintenance. When this light comes on, don't delay in servicing your car. Routine maintenance is the best way to catch any problems early and avoid more serious repairs. Call or stop by Direct Drive today to let us address any of your transmission or maintenance issues. We have experience in all makes and models on the road and can help answer any questions you may have about your vehicle.
Your car is likely one of your most important investments, so it's essential to take care of it. Keeping your car's exterior in good condition is a year-round job since it is exposed to elements during every season. Whether it's snow and ice, wind, or the harsh sun, it all takes a toll on your car. Here are some tips for how to care for your car's exterior. Wash It One of the most basic tips for taking care of your car is to clean it. Wash it regularly and often to remove debris that can harm the paint. Regular washing will also reduce the chances of rusting. If you wash it at home, find a shady spot or do it in the early morning, or wait until evening when the sun isn't high in the sky. Fill two buckets with water. more Add a cleaner to one and keep the other filled with clean water for rinsing. If you prefer to take it to a car wash, find a high-quality one and make sure it removes all the dust and dirt from the paint and the undercarriage. Dry your car after washing it. Find a soft cloth and run it over the entire exterior of the car. If you skip this step, the paint can develop mineral spots that will stain the paint when the sun beats down on it. Always Use Cleaners Designed for Autos Never use household cleaners on your vehicle. Take the time to go to the store and purchase a quality cleaner designed for autos. Household cleaners can scratch and damage the paint. It is also important to use a soft cloth or sponge to clean it. A terry or microfiber cloth will always do the trick. Wax It Wax is an important part of keeping your car looking good, and it also protects the paint. A coat of wax creates a barrier between the paint and all the outdoor elements, such as the sun and harsh weather. You don't have to wax every time you wash your car, but you should apply a coat several times a year. You can do it yourself or bring it to a car wash that offers quick wax application. Keep It Out of the Sun The sun's rays harm a vehicle's exterior paint. Do your best to keep your vehicle protected from the heat and the sun as much as possible. This might mean parking in the shade when you can find a spot, keeping it in a garage, or even getting a car cover. A good cover will protect the vehicle from harmful UV rays, which will cause the paint to fade. Keeping your car covered will also protect it from other elements such as sap dripping from trees, falling debris during a storm, and bird droppings. It only takes a short time to wash your car, but it makes a big difference. Keeping it clean and protected with a layer of wax will help it last longer and look good for many years. Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License
