Used Car Maintenance Tips for Beginners

If you’re a new driver and just bought a used car for your daily commute, it can be confusing when it comes to taking care of your new baby. Generally, the maintenance tips and how(s) for your car is similar whether it’s a new car or a used car.

However, it’s no doubt that used cars do require a tad more maintenance, especially if the car has reached a certain years of service. Hence, it’s safe to say that used car will need more of your attention.

Despite what most people think, car maintenance doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive. If you are qualified and have some basic knowledge about automotive, you can even do it yourself!

Aside from that, maintenance does not only involve the internals of the car such as engine, tanks and more but it also includes your driving style and habits.

Here are some maintenance tips you can follow to keep your used car a.k.a your ‘new baby’ in tip top condition!

6 Used Car Maintenance Tips

used car maintenance tips

1. Make sure the tyre is at its optimal pressure

Tyre pressure is one of the most crucial things you need to take care of when it comes to maintaining your car.

When you’re driving with an incorrect tyre pressure for a prolonged period of time, it may cause early wear and tear and even worse, tyre bursts. Furthermore, low pressure in your car tyre may cause a large number of damages and malfunctions to your car.

One of the ways to prevent this is to examine your tyre condition every two weeks or before you embark on a long driving journey. Check the correct pressure for your car tyre on the sticker that’s usually available on the driver’s side of the car door

2. Never run the car with an almost-empty tank

Don’t lie, most of us have this habit of continuing to drive the car even after we notice the blaring warning light on the dashboard.

If you’re driving a used car, you should definitely stop this habit and pay more attention to it, as this habit will cause catastrophic damage to your engine since the fuel injectors inject less fuel into the cylinder due to insufficient fuel in the tank.

Always make sure to refill the fuel in your vehicle as soon as possible, and don’t wait until the reserved fuel in the vehicle runs out since the reserved fuel contains a lot of sediments and particles that can contaminate your engine

3. Ensure engine oil is changed at proper intervals

Make it a habit to check on your engine oil level as well as your gear lubricant level. The oils need to be changed according to the proper intervals. Low levels can lead to bigger trouble and consequences such as damages in your engine.

Fun fact, skipping oil changes can affect a big portion of your budget, as oil-related issues can cost a huge chunk of your budget. Not sure when to change your engine oil?

Keep an eye on your speedometer. When it hits 8,000km or if it has been 3 months since your last engine oil inspection, it’s time to change your engine oil.

4. Keep your eye on the warning lights on your dashboard

It’s understandable that there might be some issues with purchasing a second-hand car, especially the older models that cost way less. However, if you want your car to run smoothly, always make sure to keep an eye on the blinking warning lights on your dashboard.

These warning lights signals that there’s a problem with your vehicle. Some of the warning lights that you can’t ignore and should pay attention to are the ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) Warning Lights and Brake Fluid Indicators, Engine Light, Engine Temperature Light, Oil Pressure Light, and the Tire Pressure Indicator.

Ignoring these warning lights can lead to expensive repairs and will cause serious issues to your vehicle. If these warning lights appears during one of your test drives, it’s a sure sign to look for another used car.

Also Read: Tips On Buying Used Cars in Malaysia

5. Always check for spark plugs and timing belts

No matter where you purchase your used car from, always make it a point to regularly check spark plugs and timing belts, especially before you decide on buying it. If these two components get distressed or heavily worn, it can cause severe problems in the engine.

One of the best tips is to make sure that you check on your spark plugs when your car hits 30,000 km, as changing spark plugs generally costs around RM20 to RM100 depending on the quantity and your car model.

Other than that, struggling to ignite your car, a noticeable dip in mileage, noise and vibrations while the car is idle and uneven acceleration, are also signs of faulty spark plugs.

6. Carry out car battery maintenance

As a beginner, you should at least know the basics of a car battery so you can be aware of where your car battery is located and how to safely disconnect the battery, as well as cleaning the terminal contacts.

Keeping your car battery clean is important, as corrosion (that looks like white or bluish powder) can form on the terminals of the battery if you don’t regularly keep them clean.

Over time, this corrosion will affect the functionality of the battery. One of the best tips is to test your battery twice a year and inspect it to detect any corrosion buildup.

used car maintenance tips and insurance protections

Maintenance Tips and Protection for Used Car

Suppose you’ve read until the end of this article; great job! While these tips can be overwhelming for a beginner, it’s always a good idea to ask people around you for guidance.

If you have friends or family members who are knowledgeable about car maintenance, that’s a bonus for you! Taking proper care of your used car is essential in ensuring it can last as long as brand-new cars.

However, when it comes to getting your moneyr for what it is worth, maintenance may not be enough! Similar to any brand-new car on the road, your used car needs protection. Here’s where your car insurance comes in. Did you know that driving around without or with expired insurance is dangerous and illegal!

The word insurance itself sounds heavy and complicated. That’s mainly because your subconscious mind knows how important it is. But it doesn’t have to be complex or a hassle when you can do it in just 3 minutes with GoInsuran.com!

Plus, you can also use our Promo Code GoMotor to enjoy great savings. You’re welcome!

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