Buying a new car is an exciting experience, but maintaining a car can be a nightmare for some people. Car maintenance is generally costly, especially if you operate on a tight budget to service your car. However, the good news is that if you shop wisely, you can get all the essential parts to make your car run smoothly at a relatively low cost. Read on to learn some tips on how to make sure your car is running at its best.



Buy Genuine Parts
It is no secret that if you want to maintain your car in good running condition, then you should buy genuine parts. According to the article GM Parts from GM Parts Northeast, genuine GM parts will lengthen the life of your vehicle and improve its performance. Genuine parts that are specifically designed for your car can greatly help keep you keep running it at its best performance for a long period. When shopping for parts, be wary of counterfeit products since they can cost you more money in the long run.

Cheaper parts can be expensive in the long run since they cannot perform at the same level as original parts. In the end, you will be forced to replace them within a short period and you will spend more money. The other plus for buying genuine parts is that they often come with a warranty which gives you a sense of security. Additionally, original parts increase your car’s lifespan and keep it in the best performing condition. A vehicle that is well-serviced drives smoothly, so you should not hesitate to buy original equipment to make your life simple. Visit Natrad Autocare if you are interested in car repair.

Keep the Air Filter Clean
A clean air filter greatly improves the performance of your car so you should change it whenever you feel it’s performing below standard. A dirty filter can affect the vehicle’s combustion system which affects the overall performance of the engine. If the car is underperforming, you are likely to experience a poor fuel economy. This can be expensive since you will spend more than necessary on gas. Furthermore, particles from a dirty filter can get inside the engine and shorten its life.

Change the Oil Filter and Oil Regularly
Read the manufacturer's manual to get a recommendation for when you should change your car’s oil. Failure to change the oil is a recipe for disaster since it eventually leads to a blown engine. An engine can be very expensive to replace so you should avoid such a scenario at all costs. When you change the oil, make sure that the oil filter is also replaced. Dirty oil can adversely affect the performance of the engine. Many vehicle manufacturers recommend oil be changed every 1000 to 5000 miles, depending on the oil used. On top of that, you should also ensure that other vital fluids are at optimal levels.

You should pay close attention to your engine to ensure that it is running at its best. It is critical to check the engine light since it shows you if something is not right. Ignoring unusual sounds coming from the engine can also be detrimental since they indicate a problem developing which will only get worse if it goes unaddressed. It is vital to remember that the engine is the heart of the car, so you should never be tempted to ignore the check light.



Change Plugs at the Right Time
Worn plugs can reduce the efficiency of your car and hurt gas mileage. You should always use the manufacturer's manual to check if your vehicle is due for service. Make sure that old plugs are replaced when the car is due for scheduled service since they play a big role in maintaining the car in its top performance.

Get an Honest and Reliable Mechanic
It is essential to find a seasoned mechanic that can service your vehicle regularly. A reliable mechanic can offer you a better deal than other reputable car repair shops. As long as the manufacturer’s manual is used when servicing your car, a seasoned mechanic can give you the perfect tune-up. The good thing about most modern cars is they don’t require several tune-ups like in the past. You can keep your car in good, running condition if it is occasionally checked by an experienced mechanic.

You should ensure that all safety features, like brakes, are always in the best shape. Many accidents are caused by malfunctioning braking systems, so make sure it is in perfect working condition. Checking your tires regularly is another important thing to keep your vehicle running at its best. If you notice that the inner edges of the tires are slowly getting smooth, the car may need a front end alignment. Worn tires can affect the smooth driving of your car so always make sure that its suspension is up to standard. This also helps prevent accidents since you may fail to control the car when it has defects in its suspension.

Do Not Overdrive Your Car
As a rule of thumb, you should avoid overusing your car if you want to maintain it running at its best. You can consider other modes of transport, especially when going on short distances. Slow driving helps extend the life of your car. On top of that, you need to avoid over accelerating your car, especially when you start it. This can cause problems for the engine in the long run. It is also important to avoid overloading your car since it can contribute to increased wear and tear of different components. Offload unnecessary items to ensure your car is light when you drive it.

Having a car means a whole new world of responsibilities to ensure that it stays in shape for as long as you can manage. Preventive maintenance is vital to keeping your car running at its best. Whenever you decide to service your vehicle, make sure to use genuine parts. You should also learn more about cars so that you can save money in the long run. If you do it properly, maintaining a car is not that expensive as many people believe. Be diligent and do not delay necessary maintenance.