Cars are valuable assets that depreciate over time due to several factors, usage being one of the main factors. Your car is an important investment that demands care and attention to keep it in good condition. With some proactive measures, you can mitigate or slow down the natural wear and tear so your car can retain its value. Regular maintenance not only helps to maintain the value of the car but also ensures its safety. Not everyone has adequate experience and knowledge about proper car maintenance.
We will share valuable recommendations and tips from automotive experts so you can take care of your car like a pro. Let's see some tips and recommendations to take care of your vehicle and reduce depreciation.
WHAT SHOULD YOU TAKE CARE OF YOUR CAR AND HOW TO KEEP IT IN EXCELLENT CONDITION
Let's keep in mind that the maintenance of each car can vary depending on the model (i.e., how new or old it is), the brand, and the type of car.
Maintaining a fully electric car is not the same as maintaining a hybrid car with a combustion engine and electric motors. Similarly, maintaining a car with a combustion engine is different from maintaining an electric car. Nevertheless, some common factors for the maintenance and care of a car apply to the vast majority of cars. In this regard, we will share some valuable tips with you so that you can get the best possible price when you decide to sell your car (and we will buy it from you).
CAR ENGINE
UAE is known for its harsh and extreme weather, which can badly affect cars. The humidity and sunlight heat damage the exterior, interior, engine and mechanical components of vehicles. In addition, sandstorms and dust can accumulate on the exterior and interior of cars, leading to scratches, corrosion, and other problems.
Many drivers in Dubai do not properly care for the cars they deserve, which can speed up the deterioration process and depreciation. It is essential to take care of your car by following a few simple tips and important recommendations that will help protect your car from the harsh environmental conditions in this region. Doing so can avoid costly repairs and maintenance in the long run.
SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES
If the wires or spark plugs are worn, the engine may not start, and if the electricity running from the distributor to the spark plugs does not generate the spark to ignite the air/gasoline mixture in the combustion chamber engine won't start. In addition to checking the condition of the spark plugs and wires, it's also essential to check the distributor cap and rotor. The distributor cap contains the contacts for the spark plug wires, and if it becomes worn or damaged, it can lead to misfires and engine problems. The rotor rotates inside the distributor cap and distributes the electrical charge to the spark plug wires. Over time, the rotor can become worn or damaged, leading to similar problems.
Regularly inspecting the ignition system can help prevent these issues and ensure your car runs smoothly. Having a qualified mechanic perform any necessary repairs or replacements is also essential, as working with electrical components can be dangerous if you're not trained to do so.
FUEL FILTER
If you smell a strong gasoline odor inside the car, this may be a sign of problems with the fuel filter, which is a sign of problems inside the engine. This is because the fuel filter is the vital element that prevents the engine from being filled with particles or impurities that can affect its operation and cause cumulative damage that will later be very expensive. Periodically checking the engine filter is essential; keeping it optimal and changing it according to the car manufacturer's recommendations will extend the engine's life and keep it in excellent condition. Not caring for the engine filter is one of the critical factors in the deterioration of the engines in cars and will become a constant driving problem and being stranded on the road.
ENGINE BELTS
Belts can become cracked or worn over time, and if they break, they can cause severe damage to the engine. Therefore, inspecting the belts regularly and replacing them when necessary is essential. It is recommended to replace the belts every 60,000 to 100,000 km or per the manufacturer's recommendation.
In addition to checking the condition of the belts, it is also essential to ensure they are correctly tensioned. If the belts are too loose, they can slip or even come off while driving, causing the engine to overheat and potentially leading to costly repairs. On the other hand, if the belts are too tight, they can cause excessive wear on the bearings and pulleys.
ENGINE OIL
Regularly changing the oil and following the recommendations for your car is essential to care for the engine. Good lubrication optimizes performance and prevents the engine from overheating, friction, and wear.
Poor care in motor lubrication is one of the main factors that cause motors to stop working. This causes extensive damage that accumulates over time and generates enormous repair costs.
Keep in mind that the oil change interval will vary according to the type of engine, whether it is synthetic or mining. Generally, the recommendations are to change the oil every 5 thousand kilometres or every 8 thousand kilometres. However, always follow the manufacturer's recommendations and use today's technology tools for regular maintenance and oil changes.
COOLING SYSTEM
The cooling system plays a critical role in maintaining the optimal operating temperature of an engine. Without it, the engine would quickly overheat and suffer irreparable damage. Ensuring that the cooling system functions correctly and the coolant level is appropriately maintained is essential.
In hot and arid conditions like those in Dubai or the UAE, the cooling system is even more critical because the high temperatures can stress the engine more.
It's essential to keep an eye on the coolant level and top it off to prevent the engine from overheating.
If the coolant level is low, it could indicate a leak in the cooling system. Identifying and repairing any leaks promptly is crucial to prevent further damage to the engine.
LEAKS AND HOSES
If you notice any leaks or stains on the floor in your parking, you should take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible to have it inspected. It's essential to address any leaks promptly to prevent further damage to your vehicle and avoid potential safety hazards. Regular maintenance and inspections can help you identify potential problems before they become serious, so it's always a good idea to follow your car's manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule.
It's important to note that different fluids in a car have different colours and consistencies, which can help you identify which fluid is leaking. For example, engine oil is usually brown or black and greasy, while coolant is typically green, pink, or orange and has a more watery consistency. Power steering fluid is usually red or pink, and brake fluid is clear or yellowish. Transmission fluid is usually reddish-brown and has a smooth consistency.
DON'T SPEED UP AND STOP.
Cars are designed to function smoothly and safely while travelling on the road. Still, frequent acceleration and sudden stops can cause excessive wear and tear to various vehicle parts, including the engine. This is because the engine's components are under significant internal pressure, and this stress can cause damage in the long run. To ensure that your engine and its components last for a long time, it's essential to maintain a relaxed and fluid driving style. Doing so can also help optimize fuel consumption.
Although many advanced technologies are now integrated into cars, such as hybrids that automatically control driving efficiency, it's still important to remember that you are ultimately responsible for driving your vehicle. By driving smoothly and avoiding frequent acceleration and sudden stops, you can extend the life of your engine and ensure it operates efficiently in optimal conditions.
AIR FILTER
The engine of a car requires adequate ventilation to prevent it from overheating. The air filter prevents impurities from reaching the intake circuit, contamination of the combustion chamber, and degradation of the walls of the cylinders.
An air filter in poor condition will increase fuel consumption, which you probably will not notice until it is already quite a lot. It will also lead to a loss of power in the engine.
Carelessness in the air filter is one of the factors that most cause engine deterioration. In the conditions of Dubai and the UAE, where we are exposed to sandstorms or environmental conditions where the particles become inherent in what our vehicle is exposed to, you should never lose sight of the state of the air filter and change it following the recommendations of the technical reviews.
DON'T DRIVE ON LOW GAS.
Driving with a low level of gasoline is something that should be avoided. Even if you use premium gasoline with the lowest impurities, it can still contain contaminants. Moreover, the gasoline doesn't go directly from a clean source to the car's gas tank. During transmission, many factors can cause impurities to accumulate in the lower part of the gasoline tank over time. If the engine sucks in this accumulated residue while driving with low fuel levels, it can cause clogging in the injectors and internal engine damage over time.
To prevent any issues while driving, it is crucial to monitor the gasoline level in our car and always keep it at a level not lower than 25%.
MONITOR DASHBOARD INDICATORS
The dashboard of a car is a critical tool for monitoring the health of your vehicle. It's like a window into the car's nervous system, providing valuable information about the state of its main components, including the engine. While some vehicles may also display indicators on a smartphone app, it's essential to keep an eye on the dashboard indicators to ensure your car is running smoothly.
If the engine indicator light comes on, it's crucial to take your car to a mechanic immediately for maintenance. Ignoring this warning can lead to significant damage to the engine, which could reduce the sale price when it comes time to sell the vehicle. Therefore, it's crucial to prioritize engine maintenance and address any issues promptly to ensure optimal vehicle performance and prevent costly repairs down the road.
CAR BRAKES
Ensuring the proper maintenance of a car's brakes is crucial for safe driving. The braking system plays a vital role in preventing accidents and collisions on the road. It's important to remember that a vehicle's braking system may include disc or hydraulic brakes, which require regular attention and care.
Disc brakes are a type of brake system that utilizes a rotor and brake pads to slow down or stop the vehicle. Over time, the brake pads will wear down, requiring replacement. Regular inspections of the brake pads and rotors can prevent costly repairs down the line.
Hydraulic brakes, on the other hand, use a system of fluid-filled lines and cylinders to activate the brake pads. Regular inspections of the brake fluid level and quality can ensure the proper functioning of the brakes and prevent leaks or other issues.
SUITABLE TIRES
Ensuring you have the right tires for your vehicle is crucial for maintaining the proper functioning of the braking system. It may seem obvious, but buying tires that meet the manufacturer's specifications for your particular vehicle is essential. This includes the tire size, load rating, and speed rating, among other factors. Using the wrong type of tire or failing to meet the manufacturer's requirements can negatively impact your car's braking performance and overall safety. Therefore, always make sure to purchase the appropriate tires for your vehicle to keep yourself and others on the road safe.
DRIVE CALMLY
By driving calmly and with less intensity, you can reduce wear and tear on your brake pads and prevent premature deterioration of other car parts. This driving style has several benefits, including lower fuel consumption and better vehicle maintenance. It also helps to avoid sudden stops and accelerations, which can stress the engine components and cause internal damage. By adopting a fluid and calm driving style, you can extend the life of your engine and its parts, ensuring optimal functioning and efficiency of your vehicle in the long run.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR DISTANCE FROM OTHER CARS.
Driving more calmly involves maintaining a safe and prudent distance from other vehicles on the road, which can help avoid the need for constant braking. This, in turn, reduces wear on the brake pads and prevents them from deteriorating prematurely.
RELEASE YOUR FOOT FROM THE BRAKE.
When you apply the brakes in a vehicle, the friction between the brake pads and the rotors generates heat. If you continuously apply the brakes, such as when driving downhill, this heat can build up, causing the brake components to expand and the brake pads to become distorted or warped.
If you keep your foot on the brake pedal in such a situation, it can lead to increased pressure between the brake components, which can cause further damage and reduce the braking efficiency of the system. The braking distance can become longer, and the risk of an accident can increase. In extreme cases, the brakes can even fail completely, leaving you unable to stop the vehicle.
Removing your foot from the brake pedal for a short period allows the heat to dissipate, reducing the pressure between the components and preventing any further damage. This can be particularly important in emergencies where you must brake hard or for a prolonged period, such as when descending a steep hill.
CHECK THE BRAKE FLUID LEVEL.
It is crucial to ensure that the brake fluid level is always adequate to ensure your safety while driving. During a technical review of your vehicle, you must check that the brake pads are free from grease or brake fluid stains.
To maintain the efficiency of your braking system, it is recommended to replace the brake pads as per the manufacturer's recommendations for your vehicle. However, it is generally advisable to inspect them every 10,000 or 15,000 kilometres driven and replace the brake fluid every 40,000 kilometres, depending on your driving style. The disc or pads must be replaced immediately if deterioration is detected. A Techno-mechanical service can precisely diagnose the brake pad's condition.
It is also essential to be aware of any warning signs that may indicate problems with your brakes, such as vibrations in the brake pedal, a hard or resistant pedal, squealing noise while braking, loss of braking ability when hot, or car oscillation towards one side. In such cases, it is best to quickly take your vehicle to a technical service to diagnose the issue.
Remember, brake problems are the leading cause of accidents, and your car's accident history can significantly reduce the price of your vehicle when you sell it.
By following these tips and recommendations, you can improve the overall condition of your vehicle, which will get you a higher sale price when you decide to sell your used car.
If you're considering selling your used car, we're here to help. We buy cars in any condition and offer free valuations of your vehicle without any obligations. If you decide to sell your car to us, we'll handle all the paperwork, making the process easy and hassle-free for you. So why wait? Visit us today to get started.