Having a car that looks and rides well is important. In order for that to happen, you must keep in tip-top shape by doing the things from PART 1 and doing more to care for your car. Follow along to see what you can do to keep your car in great shape. 

6. Change Your Driving Habits

Be careful while driving your car. This is the greatest thing you can do to keep your car in good shape. Be good to it. Be patient don’t drove fast around curbs. Slow down in an even and steady fashion. Follow the law. Etc. Etc. 

Easier said than done I know. Just ask my wife. I used to drive extremely recklessly. And if you looked at my car you would be able to tell. My car was beaten up and suffering. Don’t do that to your precious princess on wheels! 

7. Change Your Timing Belt

I’ve heard of many stories about people whose timing belt “just snapped out of nowhere.” Don’t be the one caught in this mess. Instead, find time to get it checked and change it when it’s recommended. 

The old rule was to change it every 60,000 miles Many car owners may wonder how often to replace a timing belt. But, technology has improved, and many manufacturers recommend intervals up to 100,000 miles. Check what the vehicle’s manufacturer recommends and stay within that mileage range.

8. Change Your Engines Air Filter

The engine needs to breathe. The engine air filter is the way it gets air to help it “breathe.” The engine air filter should be replaced between 15k and 30k miles, depending on frequent driving conditions. If you drive on unpaved roads, it needs to be changed more often. If you don’t drive a lot, an air filter should be replaced at least every 3 years, as with age it becomes brittle.

9. Fill Up The Engine Coolant

This fits in with #4 in part 1 of this blog series, but it’s important to stress further. Many issues with cars come from this area if the car: the coolant. Make sure to check it occasionally to ensure it isn’t leaking. 

An owners manual might recommend changing the coolant/antifreeze after the first 60,000 miles, then every 30,000 miles. But the recommended time to change the coolant is wildly different from car to car, as some models of cars do not recommend it be changed for as far as 120,000+ miles.

10. Check Your Battery

I remember a time when I had to first change my battery. There’s nothing worse than having your car not start. Be sure to check it and spray it down with degreaser every once in a while and make sure to check the date to see if you’ll need a replacement soon so you are wanted. 

After three years, it’s normally time to install a new replacement. After four or five years, most car batteries will be almost completely unreliable. Old car batteries can present a number of safety and reliability issues. Luckily, it’s easy to identify if your car’s battery is nearing the end of its lifespan.