Everyone loves a car that runs
fast, smooth, and trouble free, even if they are driving it for ages.
Cars are a precious commodity; you use it for your daily chores and
commute, occasional road trips, and much more. However, as time
passes, your car’s performance sometimes takes a dip, resulting in
expensive repairs and, in extreme conditions, a complete overhaul.
Multiple reasons affect a
vehicle’s performance. From modern computer laced ECU to hardware
like engine, brakes, transmission, everything contributes to its
service life. If you take good care of its vital components and
incorporate certain driving and maintenance habits, you can keep it
working for years to come. So, let’s take a look at a few tips that
will help you maintain your car’s performance for longer.
-
Look under the hood – It might seem like a gauntlet under the hood, but if you look closely, everything is clearly marked.
The first thing you should do
is keep the engine hub as clean as possible. Look for the air filter,
battery terminals, radiator grills, etc. Dust and dirt accumulation
is a major concern and can severely affect a car’s output.
For example, if there are acid
residue and rust on battery terminals, it will not deliver the
optimum charge. It is best to clean it every six months with a
solution of one cup lukewarm water and one teaspoon of baking soda.
-
Keep it light – Overloading your vehicle puts a lot of strain on its suspension, tyres, drivetrain, and engine. Make sure you stay within the recommended limit mentioned by your car’s manufacturer and also check all 4 of your car tyres weight rating.
-
Drive it carefully – Cities and metropolitan areas often have stop and go traffic, which affects the clutch and brakes of your car. Unfortunately, you cannot stop those from wearing out, but you can keep them in the best condition for as long as possible.
Always remember to apply your
car brakes gradually, hard braking can warp the brake rotors as well
as damage the callipers and brake lines. If you see a stopping light
ahead, let go of the accelerator and come to a halt smoothly.
In the same manner, don’t
excessively use your car’s clutch either. If you have a stick
shift, press the clutch completely before you shift gears. Do not
ride the clutch if you don’t want to shorten its lifespan.
With an automatic
transmission, accelerate and de-accelerate steadily to reduce wear.
This will keep the unit in good condition and make sure you don’t
have to go for a clutch repair in Northampton
or anywhere else anytime soon.
-
Rev it up every once in a while – Allowing your car to warm up (even during summer) and revving it occasionally has some positive sides to it. Letting your engine run for a minute or two at the start of the day will heat the exhaust, and let the fluid pumps run for some time before you drive off. This will decrease the chances of exhaust residue collection or overheating.
Revving your car to the
red-line blows out any accumulation inside the catalytic converter and
tailpipe. That increases engine efficiency and your car’s emission
quality.
Following these tips will help
you maintain optimal car performance for a much longer time without
you spending one dime on it. Also, it will keep your vehicle in good
shape, which means you will need much less repair before going for an
MOT in Northampton.
For any other major issues with your car, take it to a trustworthy
and affordable garage like Jackson’s MOT Centre for repair. They
offer a plethora of car servicing and repairs in and around
Northampton at reasonable prices.
