With a few months of work, Tommy had saved enough money to purchase his first car. He has been eyeing the Honda City ever since he got his driver’s licence. Before going to the dealership to purchase his first car, Tommy did research on the purchase process and what he should take note of afterwards. After completing his research, Tommy realised that as soon as the car is purchased and driven off the dealership’s car garage, its original price will continuously decrease with each passing moment. In other words, if Tommy were to sell that car after 5 years, he would receive 24.2% less than the amount he originally paid.
Therefore, if Tommy were to sell his car in the future, he would have to improve its longevity so that the depreciation of the car’s original price isn’t as low as it can be. As such, this article aims to help improve the longevity of the car through 7 tips on how to service your car as soon as it is driven off the car garage.
1. Regular Oil Changes
A car’s longevity can be improved if its oil is regularly changed on time. The oil is referring to the lubrication liquid used for the car’s engine. With the oil, it allows the engine to move without much friction and wear on essential engine components. However, if the oil is not regularly changed, it can lead to the car’s engine jamming up causing engine damage and all functions to stop. Repairing such damage is considerably more expensive than the price of an oil change as it will have to be sent to a car workshop in Singapore so that the engine can be replaced. Therefore, regular oil changes will not only help in ensuring that the engine will run smoothly and last for a longer time, but it will also help to reduce the cost of maintenance.
2. Windshield Shade
Living in a country like Singapore, where the sunlight is more intense compared to other countries all year round, it is recommended to acquire and place a windshield shade in the car. This shade helps to prevent the sunlight from entering the car as it can cause significant damage to the car’s interior. Benefits of the windshield shade includes:
- Protection from UV-rays and heat damage
- Preservation of car’s interior
- Prevent interior from heating up allowing for comfort
Nevertheless, windshield shade comes in all sorts of size and material, as such ensure that the shade is compatible with the car. Additionally, it should be properly kept and maintained since if it is damaged then the integrity of the car’s interior will be compromised. As such, be cautious that the windshield shade is properly kept in a dark place when not in use and to dust off any dirt that has accumulated on it over time.
3. Schedule Tyre Rotations
Tyres are one of the components that allows the car to drive smoothly across the road. Prolonging its life will help protect the car’s overall performance. Therefore, car owners should seek professional car servicing and schedule tyre rotations for their car. Rotating the tyre will help spread out the wear onto different parts of each tyre. Improvements to the overall car’s performance includes:
- Braking and Cornering
- Vehicle Handling
- Reduce chances of tread cupping
- Protection of vehicle components
A higher performance can be a deciding factor on whether the car collides with another or drives safely across the road. The cost of a car repair can be very expensive, so do make sure to properly maintain its tyres.
4. Wash & Wax Your Car Regularly
Maintaining your car’s exterior, including its paint job, helps to improve its longevity. The car’s paint job is especially important as not only those it contributes to the design, but it also helps to prevent the car from deteriorating by protecting the body from being exposed. A car’s paint can be damaged by being exposed to substances like tree sap, bird-droppings, coffee, etc. Nevertheless, it is not recommended to wash your car via drive-through, especially if it is automatic, as it can further damage the paint. Instead, it is recommended to hand wash the car twice a week or when it is necessary to prevent damaging the paint. Waxing a car’s paint can help to maintain its integrity. Without it, the metal body underneath will be exposed, causing it to rust and erode over time. It is advisable to wax the car once every three months to cut down on cost and improve the car’s longevity.
5. Condition Your Leather Seats
If a car has leather seats, it will require the driver to do proper maintenance to keep it in good condition. Due to being made of leather, seats that have been accumulating dust and exposed to sunlight will deteriorate over time causing cracks to appear. In order to maintain the leather seats, 3 items are required, a handheld vacuum, a conditioning solution, and a microfibre cloth. Firstly, the handheld vacuum will remove the dust from the seats. This allows for the conditioning solution to be sprayed and applied on the seats without any obstacles. Finally, the microfibre cloth is used to wipe off the solution from the seats to prevent long exposure.
6. Properly Inflate Your Tyres
In one of the previous tips, it was stated that the car’s tyre is an essential component of the car. Including the schedule for tyre rotation, it is essential for them to be properly inflated not only for longevity but for personal safety as well. If a single tyre is in bad condition, it makes driving more dangerous for the driver and for others. Monitoring and maintaining proper inflation contributes to preventing premature wear on the tyres and damages to the suspension. Since gas stations in Singapore provide free gas, it is up to the driver to determine the correct gas pressure. A documentation containing information of the car will help ease that process. In one of the previous tips, it was stated that the car’s tyre is an essential component of the car. Including the schedule for tyre rotation, it is essential for them to be properly inflated not only for longevity but for personal safety as well. If a single tyre is in bad condition, it makes driving more dangerous for the driver and for others. Monitoring and maintaining proper inflation contributes to preventing premature wear on the tyres and damages to the suspension. Since gas stations in Singapore provide free gas, it is up to the driver to determine the correct gas pressure. A documentation containing information of the car will help ease that process.
7. Regular Pest Control In Your Car
No one likes pests, especially when they end up in your car. However, a car is a perfect place for them to seek shelter and food. This can cause the car’s sanitary level to decrease causing a lot of damage and discomfort. Nevertheless, there are ways to prevent pest from infesting the car like:
- Avoiding eating and leaving food in the car. It attracts more pest and allows them to thrive overtime
- Clean up the car interior regularly. By vacuuming and sanitising the car, it reduces pest’s food source and shelter
- Ensure that all openings are blocked. Without a way in, pest will be less likely to infest the car
- Seek Professional Help. If the infestation is too severe, it is best to seek professional help to exterminate them.
In conclusion, if in the future, Tommy wants to sell his car that is close to the original price, he will have to maintain the longevity of the car by regularly changing the car’s oil, using a windshield shade to help protect the interior, maintaining the car’s tyres, paint, and seat in good condition, preventing pest from infesting his car. With the knowledge on car servicing in mind, Tommy went to the dealership and completed the purchase of his first car. Driving out of the car garage, Tommy knew that to service your car is to be prepared for the future.
