Let’s face it. Girls are sick and tired of hearing the age-old stereotype that women know nothing about cars. Although it’s not always true, it’s one of the reasons why most ladies are often hesitant to learn about cars in the first place.
People these days are becoming more invested in their cars. They spend so much money on maintaining their car’s engine, including its physical appearance. Some would even get themselves a two-post auto lift for their garage to make DIY repairs easier and take less space.
As more single, working women consider car ownership, learning about car care and maintenance makes a huge difference. Knowing a few things about your vehicle offers the confidence and freedom to drive your car anywhere and anytime you want. It also saves time, money, and effort when dealing with unexpected car issues on the road.
If you’re the type of woman who loves going for long drives or heading out to various destinations with your family or gal pals, it’s important to be aware of some car maintenance knowledge instead of regretting things later on. So whether you drive your car for work or vacation trips, here are some helpful car care strategies every woman should know about!
Keep the interior clean
A well-functioning car is useless if its interior is an absolute mess. Keeping a car’s interior clean at all times is always an issue for moms, working women, or those who can’t simply devote time to clean their cars.
Keeping a car clean isn’t rocket science. Sadly, most women feel intimidated by it. They’d rather have their cars cleaned by professionals when it needs some freshening up. Spending time with your car is a great way to know about its many complexities. You’ll also discover areas you want to customize to fit your personal needs.
Devote at least a few hours every weekend to clean the car. Place particular focus on floor mats,
Car seats, steering wheel, cup holders, windows, upholstery, and other hard-to-reach areas. Also, instead of using regular cleaning products, you can visit a car accessories shop to find a wide range of cleaning tools to keep your car clean and smelling nice.
Change the tires by yourself
Changing tires is often a daunting task for women. All the hassle and dirt involved makes them feel they’re not up for this job. The truth is, learning how to change tires is actually one of the most basic things about car maintenance. While it’s a skill most women overlooked, a little practice and preparation will help you handle any tire issue on the road.
Consulting a friend or a car professional who knows how to deal with tires is a great start. You can also watch tutorial videos on YouTube to learn more about tire upkeep. Don’t wait for the flat tire to happen, but instead practice at home first to overcome the nervousness and understand the process faster.
Before going out, make it a habit to check the air pressure, including the spare. Keep them pumped when needed, but make sure they’re not too inflated. Good tire inflation will avoid flat tires and make the ride comfortable and enhance the fuel economy. Proper tire alignment is also important to avoid wearing down the tread and walls, which can lead to tire explosion. Rotating them regularly will also improve vehicle performance, including cornering and braking.
Check the engine oil and filter
The engine air filter serves as the lungs of your car, the first line of defense against airborne contaminants, such as dust, dirt, and leaves. There’s also the motor oil that serves as the lifeblood of your engine. It carries all the components throughout the lubrication system, collects contaminants, and carries all impurities before causing any damage.
Oil leaks are always the worst. When left unchecked, they can lead to costly repairs, engine problems, or worse, car accidents. Thus, it’s important to check the oil regularly using an oil dipstick. The oil film should be between the “full” and “add” lines, but if the level is nearing the “add” level, it’s time to add some oil.
Cars are a complex machine and a hefty investment, so it’s important to learn a few things about how to take care of them properly. Although it’s not a must-have skill, enhancing your car’s upkeep goes a long way in car ownership. You reduce the chances of car failures, expensive repairs, and even roadside accidents. After all, nothing feels better when driving a fresh and well-functioning car.
