It’s finally over – the warranty period for your car. You’ve religiously taken it in for service on time, and you’ve followed all the manufacturer’s recommendations to the letter, but now what?
Just because your car is no longer under warranty doesn’t mean you can just neglect it and hope for the best. In fact, if you want your car to last as long as possible, you need to start looking after it even more carefully than before. This blog post will discuss seven tips on looking after your car after the warranty period has ended.
Keep Your Car Clean
One of the best ways to look after your car is to keep it clean. Not only will this help to protect the paintwork and interior, but it will also make it easier to spot any potential problems early on. Make sure to give it a good wash at least once a month, and be sure to pay special attention to areas like the engine and wheels where dirt and grime can build up over time.
If you don’t have time to do a full wash, you can always give it a quick clean with a wet cloth – this is especially useful for getting rid of bugs and road salt in the winter months. In addition, use a windshield washer fluid that contains rain repellent. This will help to keep your windshield clean and clear all year round.
Check the Oil Level and Tire Pressure Regularly
One of the most important things you can do to look after your car is to check the oil level and tire pressure regularly. If either of these is incorrect, it can cause a lot of damage to the car over time. The oil level should be checked at least once a month and more often if you’re doing a lot of driving. The tire pressure should be checked at least once a week and more often if you’re going on a long trip or traveling in extreme weather conditions.
If you don’t have the time or knowledge to do this yourself, take your car into a garage for annual service – they will be able to do this for you as part of their routine maintenance. If you’re going on a long trip, make sure to pack a tire repair kit and a can of Fix-A-Flat. This way, if you do get a flat tire, you’ll be able to fix it yourself instead of calling for help.
Keep an Eye on the Dashboard Indicators
Another essential thing to keep an eye on is the dashboard indicators. These will tell you if something is wrong with the car and if it needs attention. Be sure to familiarize yourself with what each indicator means and what action you should take if it comes on. If you’re not sure what to do, take your car into a garage for a diagnostic check – they will be able to tell you what’s wrong and how much it will cost to fix it. If any of the following indicators come on, take your car into a garage as soon as possible:
- The engine check light
- The oil pressure warning light
- The tire pressure warning light
- The ABS warning light
- The engine temperature warning light
- The brake system warning light
- The SRS airbag warning light
- The fuel system warning light
If the dashboard indicators are flashing, this means that there is a serious problem, and you should pull over to the side of the road and call for help. Keep in mind that different cars will have different indicators, so it’s essential to familiarize yourself with your own car’s dashboard. You can find a list of common dashboard symbols in your car’s owner’s manual.
Extended Warranty
If you’re concerned about the longevity of your car after the warranty period has ended, you might want to consider an extended warranty. An extended warranty will provide coverage for your car after the original warranty has expired, and it can be a great way to peace of mind.
Companies like Endurance offer an automotive extended warranty for up to a specific limit of years and mileage, which is an excellent choice for those in need of extra peace of mind. However, it’s important to note that not all warranties are created equal – make sure to do your research and find one that best suits your needs.
Get a Tune-up Every Year
A tune-up is a great way to keep your car in good condition, and it’s something you should do at least once a year. A tune-up will include things like an oil change, a new air filter, and a check of the brakes and steering.
It’s also a good time to have any other problems with the car fixed before they become bigger and more expensive to repair. You can either take your car into a garage for a tune-up, or you can do it yourself – there are lots of tutorials online that will show you how to do it.
Replace the Air Filter
The air filter is responsible for keeping the air in the car clean, so it’s important to replace it on a regular basis. The recommended frequency will vary depending on the type of car and the driving conditions, but most filters should be replaced every 12,000 miles. You can either do this yourself or take your car into a garage – it’s a relatively easy task to do, and there are lots of tutorials online.
Wax the Car Every Few Months
Waxing the car is another way to protect it from the elements, and it’s something you should do every few months. Waxing will help seal the paintwork and protect it from scratches and chips, and it will also help keep the car looking shiny and new. You can buy waxes at your local store, or you can use a homemade recipe.
These are just a few of the things you should do to look after your car after the warranty period has ended. By following these tips, you can help keep your car in good condition and avoid costly repairs down the road.
