Safer Rides, Surer Roads Smart Strategies for Superior Car Care
Park your precious car perfectly. Driving can be stressful, but parking can be a next-level source of worry. If parking on busy streets or in small spaces in cramped garages isn’t your strong suit, devices such as the Universal Laser Parking Assist kit from GoodChief provide affordable ways to easily navigate your vehicle into tight spots. Don’t bet on your battery. If your vehicle is three years or older, it is critical to monitor the health of your car battery, especially during high-humidity summers or frigid winters. Extreme weather conditions can weaken or corrode your battery’s terminals and prevent the car from starting — or even cause it to stop when driving through challenging conditions. You can purchase a battery hydrometer to check the battery’s strength or get it tested the next time you’re at a dealership or neighborhood mechanic. If your battery has already failed once recently, replace it as soon as possible rather than attempt to lengthen its lifespan through regular jumps and put yourself at risk of injury or death if it malfunctions during regular use. Go for pristine replacement parts. An automobile accident can be as expensive as it is frustrating, but your decisions during the repair process should never be based on price alone. Replacement parts generally come in three categories: brand-new ones made for or by the automaker specifically for your vehicle’s make or model (an original equipment manufacturer or “OEM” part); used or reconditioned parts (available at salvage yards or through other providers); or aftermarket parts made by a third party unaffiliated with the company that made your car. Although used and aftermarket parts are less expensive than OEM products — insurance companies often favor them as a result — some auto body repair associations and even automakers like Ford have questioned the quality and functionality of these options and strongly advise consumers to use only OEM replacement parts. To help prevent performance issues with your vehicle following a repair, carefully review your auto insurance policy for any limits or stipulations regarding parts usage and opt for OEM parts whenever possible.
Except for your mortgage or rent, your car is the most significant expense you’ll have in life. Even if you’ve paid it off, you will always need to follow basic steps to properly care for your car — and not doing so can drain your wallet or put you in danger. From DIY hacks to critical service reminders, here are four tips to get the most out of your car without putting yourself or your budget in harm’s way. Win the windshield wiper war. From snow and ice to bird poop and smashed insects, windshields are magnets for numerous nuisances that hinder our visibility on the road. Not surprisingly, it doesn’t take long before wipers crack or dry out. You can help prolong your blades’ life by regularly wiping them down with a rag soaked in glass cleaner. If your wipers have reached the screechy cycle of life, coat the moving parts with spray silicone lubricant to keep them from giving you an annoying roadway soundtrack until you can replace them.
While we all face risks every time we hit the road, following these simple rules will help ensure a safer and more enjoyable time behind the wheel.
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