It's thought that there will be over 290 million cars on US roads in 2022, up from just under 250 million in 2012. Consumers are always buying new vehicles, but that doesn't mean their old ones just get thrown away. The second-hand car market is thriving, and it's common for many people's first vehicle to be pre-owned.
This is a great way to get started with driving, but second-hand cars can come with issues. They are simply going to have more wear and tear than a brand-new car, and that means you will need to take extra care to keep them in the best shape possible. Here are some of the best tips for looking after your vehicle.
Check your fluid levels
First and most simply, you should make sure you have enough of the various liquids that make your car run smoothly. When you buy a second-hand car, take a look at the levels of transmission, brake and wiper fluid, as well as engine coolant. If any of them need topping off, make sure to do so for a quick and easy way of keeping your vehicle in top shape.
You should also check your car's engine oil levels. This is something that will need changing regularly, so if possible, ask when it was last changed when you buy the car. Older models that use conventional motor oil usually need it changed every 3,000 miles or so. Newer cars use synthetic oil, and they can generally go between 7,000 and 10,000 miles without needing an oil change.
Look after your tires
The wheels of your car are where a lot of the wear and tear occurs, so they'll need looking after. This is a very budget-friendly way of getting a lot more out of your vehicle, as a simple change here can make a big difference. Switching over to a higher quality tire like Nitto can help you get more performance out of your car and make a noticeable difference to how it drives.
You should always check your tire pressure as well. Your owner's manual will tell you what the ideal pressure for your car is, and you should aim to keep it at around this level for the best results. You can also rotate your tires, moving the front tires to the back and vice-versa. This helps extend their lifespan, as they will generally get different levels of wear on different parts of the vehicle.
Keep an eye on the battery
Your car battery plays a crucial role in keeping your vehicle driving. It will charge naturally as you drive, but there are several things that can cause it to run dry. These commonly include:
● Leaving the headlamps or interior lights on after leaving the car
● Listening to the radio or accidentally turning the lights on while cleaning the car
● Waiting in the car with the radio on for extended periods of time
● Faulty components, such as the alternator or battery connections
● An old battery that needs replacing
Keeping your battery in the best condition means avoiding leaving your car's electronics on while the engine is not running. Some people recommend leaving your engine on for ten minutes or so every week to make sure the battery is kept fully charged. You might also need to replace the battery, as most last around five years before they need changing.
Following these tips will help you get the most out of any second-hand car you buy. While you will never get a vehicle that's in as good a shape as it would be if you'd bought new, pre-owned cars can still be a great option. For the amount of money you save, you can easily get it in great working order.
In fact, many cars you buy second-hand won't have been well-maintained, especially if the owner knows they will be selling soon. Simple tricks like replacing the battery and engine oil can make big differences, and make the car run a lot better. It might not be as good as new, but with proper maintenance you can get it pretty close.
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