Self-Help Car Maintenance

Some people have a love-hate relationship with their automobile. They are completely engaged in the ease of transportation, the luxury of the ride, and the joy of the journey, but they are overwhelmed by the maintenance and care that comes with the responsibility of ownership. Not only does the normal wear and tear of daily driving affect performance, but the weather and housing environment of the vehicle also needs to be addressed. With so much to consider, it’s helpful to have a good support team involved with your car care.

Professional Assistance is Necessary

As the guys working in a Calgary mechanics shop will tell you, it’s important to have preventative maintenance work done on your vehicle every year. Just like people go the doctor or dentist for a yearly or periodic check-up, your car will need a professional tune-up at least once a year to ensure it is in great shape. Depending on the severity of the weather elements where you live, you might want to consider timing your maintenance accordingly. Other than that, there are some indicators with your car’s performance that will let you know when it’s time to make an appointment and pull in the shop.

Some parts of your car are more expensive than others to repair and replace. If you are experiencing delayed shifting between gears, rough transitions, leaking fluid, or slipping gears, it might be time to call your Calgary transmission specialists. A transmission can be a costly repair if you wait too long before getting any problems checked. This is one area that you need to leave to the professionals, but there are some things you can do to keep your car in great shape on your own.

Common Sense is Actually Critical Care

Although it might seem like common sense, taking special care of your car during its first few months in your possession actually sets the pace for car longevity. Many people tend to drive more slowly, park in covered spaces, and limit heavy-duty usage while they get acquainted with their new car, but making cautious choices during the break-in time of your car is wise.  During the first 1,000 miles of your car’s operations, keep the speed below 55 mph and avoid long periods of idling. Avoid heavy hauling and strong accelerations, giving the oil in your new car plenty of time to work its way through all the nooks and crannies.

Paying Attention to Normal Wear and Tear

People use cars for daily transportation to and from work and for long-distance trips between states or around the country. Many individuals choose to invest in maintenance when preparing for long travels, but daily use requires just as much attention. Don`t race your engine when first starting the car in an attempt to heat or jumpstart the engine faster. This quickly wears out the engine, especially in colder temperatures. The same goes for letting a car idle in the driveway to warm-up during winter months. Avoid sudden starting and stopping as much as possible, given traffic conditions, and consider shifting to neutral when stopped at a red light.

Use Quality Products

It might seem obvious that higher quality products will produce better long-term results, but so often this is forgone in an attempt to save a few dollars. Purchasing gas from quality stations will ensure you are getting the right alcohol and fuel mix, as well as a pump that has regulatory changed its pump filters. Bad gas will severely impact your car`s operations.

Drive Into Good Choices

Common sense choices can improve the overall quality of your driving experience but also increase your car`s longevity. Follow these tips to start down the road of good car care.

Will Hopstetter
Will is an automotive market enthusiast living in the United Kingdom. He holds a diverse background in automotive and enjoys utilizing that to produce insights into the inner workings of the industry.