Whether your car is your primary form of transportation or just a backup car, it is essential that you find ways to keep it healthy. Oftentimes, secondary cars sit for too long without running, and this damages your car. Here are some tips to help all car owners keep their cars healthy, no matter what purposes they are used for.
1) Perform Visual Inspections Once a Week
One of the best ways to keep a backup car healthy and in good shape is to take time each week to visually inspect the car. This simply means walking around the car and looking for anything out of the ordinary. Make sure there are no cracks on the windshield, the tires are not flat, the lights all light up, and there are no scratches. These visual clues will help you see small repairs before they turn into costly problems.
2) Take Short Drives
The main purpose of a car is to be driven. If you have a show car, a vintage car, or a backup car, you may not need to drive it. Even if this is the case, you should start it up and drive it at least once a week. Driving your car will help ensure that the oils and fluids are properly circulating around the engine and that your battery stays charged.
3) Change the Oil
Even if you do not drive your car regularly, it is still important to get regular oil changes. Most people and experts recommend a regular oil change every six months, even if you do not drive the recommended number of miles. This will help ensure that your oil is clean and free of built-up dirt and debris.
4) Protect the Car from the Weather
You should try your best to protect your car from the weather. During cold months you may want to put a car cover on top, and before hot summers, you may want to thoroughly wax your car. This can help protect the exterior of your car and keep it looking great all year.
5) Look At Tire Pressure
One of the main issues that result from cars that are not driven regularly is that the tires go flat. Checking your tire pressure regularly, about once a month, is a great way to make sure that your tires stay inflated and stay healthy.
These tips can help keep all cars, of any age or condition, healthy. These tips can help improve the overall longevity and condition of a car.