In what ways can I extensively take care of my car?
Posted by Oktopie3@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 8 comments
I’m at a point where I want to make the condition of my daily car as perfect condition as possible. I getter better oil, change oil, rotate tires, wheel alignments. Stay up on fluids, replace parts that break etc. what else am I missing that I should do regularly?
birdpix@reddit
Be religious about following manufacturers service schedule and maintenance.
I had a boss who was a freak about sending a 1984 Dodge Caravan to the shop often for scheduled maintenance. He spent a lot of money on it, and it was still going strong after 10 years and 300k miles. We used it to tow a loaded 4x5 trailer and carry 6 adults all across the state of Florida 6 days a week.
jrileyy229@reddit
You shouldn't have to regularly get alignments... You follow the owners manual for maintenance and you fix things as they wear out, that's it. Keep wax on the paint
Oktopie3@reddit (OP)
I get wheel alignments when it snows a lot. I have a road car not built for heavy snow yearly. You inevitable drift a little and it tends to ruin the alignments enough to bother me
Triple-Depresso@reddit
Ur alignment shouldn’t drift out of spec because of snow / loss of traction
However winter is tough on the roads and creates lots of pot holes, and if you’re not actively avoiding them all the time it can change ur alignment
Triple-Depresso@reddit
Not regular but you can redo suspension bushing if ur car is like 10yo+, it’s a lot of work though but apparently it tightens up the car and makes it feel “like new”
Check oil once a week to make sure it’s not leaking or burning
Replace brake fluid every 2~ years (or 1year if you want firm peddle feel) or bleed a little bit from the caliper if you do a track day
Love me a new cabin air filter any time
Cleaning, interior and exterior, buy one of those small hand held vacs
Comfortable-Study-69@reddit
Check your maintenance schedule. There should be one in your glovebox somewhere, or if not you can find it online.
For major stuff, you’re conspicuously missing engine coolant, cabin and engine air filters, brake fluid, spark plugs, and a timing chain if your car has one.
There should also be a long list of parts that require regular inspection for leaks and excess wear. Take special note of brake and suspension components and any noticeable issues while driving. Also address any visible leakage or things like excess fluid consumption and follow up.
TikiTribble@reddit
You could stick to Top Tier approved gas.
https://www.toptiergas.com/gasoline-brands/
HalfLegend@reddit
Keep track of service dates and mileage on your phone or something and check monthly. Even running a few hundreds of miles over on your oil change can be pretty rough on an engine. Never ignore dash lights. If you can, garage park, don’t go out in bad conditions. A lot is common sense.