Buying a new car is always a great feeling. For a lot of people, it is one of the major milestones in life. In fact, you need to put in the effort to maintain your new car so that it stays as good as new for a long time.
The good thing is that car maintenance isn’t too complicated. All you need to do is follow some simple steps regularly and be consistent with the maintenance, and you won’t have any unnecessary issues for a long while.
When the car is as great as the Ford Ranger, it only doubles up the joy. However, the responsibility doesn’t end there. By following some simple car maintenance tips, you can make sure that your new car gets the treatment it deserves. Read on to learn how to provide it.
1. Keep an Eye on Oil Level
A lot of people seem to be unaware of one of the most crucial aspects of car maintenance: oil levels. Yet, it is the factor that helps your car run optimally. A lack of proper lubrication in your engine can lead to the moving parts starting t0 tear and grind against each other. If left unchecked, this can cause your car to malfunction. A lack of oil in the engine can also increase your car’s risk of going kaput.
To avoid all of this from happening, get into the habit of regularly checking the oil level of your car. This will ensure that things continue to run smoothly. Checking the oil level is a very easy task. All you have to do is locate the engine’s dipstick; it will either have an image of an oil can or it may just have a label that says “OIL”. Remove the whole stick and clean it with a paper towel. Afterward, put it back all the way in before removing it again.
The bottom of the stick will be marked with either two lines or holes. If the oil is between those two points, it means your oil levels are fine. If it is below it, add a quart of oil – not more than that. Make sure that your engine has been turned off for at least five minutes to cool down before checking the oil levels.
2. Regularly Check Tyre Pressure
Another crucial aspect of can maintenance is to ensure that the tyre pressure has proper pressure. Not only can this save you a lot of money in the long run, but it will also ensure your safety while driving. Whether they are over-inflated or under-inflated, tyres with improper pressure aren’t as efficient at driving or stopping as tyres with proper pressure are. Worst case scenario, the may even increase the chance of a blow up.
On the other hand, properly inflated tyres have a much longer life. They’ll have a better chance of surviving challenging road conditions. In addition to that, they can potentially increase your car’s fuel efficiency. As you drive our car regularly, your tyres’ pressure can change quite frequently. Therefore, it is crucial to keep a consistent check on all four tyres. As soon as you notice that the pressure is going down, add some air to it. To ensure a more accurate reading, check tyre pressure when the tyres have been cold for a while.
3. Regularly Clean The Windshield
One common mistake that most people make is assuming that cleaning the windshield equates to running the wiper after the rain and a few times more here and there. This does not do a good job of thoroughly cleaning the windshield. Not only is a dirty, bug-splattered windshield unsightly to look at, but it can also obscure the view of the road and become a safety hazard.
It is important to properly clean the windshield at least three to four times a week. When you’re at the gas station, take the cleaning fluid and soak the entire windshield with it. Then get your squeegee and use the spongy part to wipe off the fluid. This will keep your windshield clean and shiny. It is especially important to do this if you’re coming back from a long road trip or even when you’re heading for one.
4. Change Oil Semi-Regularly
In addition to keeping your oil levels on an optimal level, you also have to keep an eye on when your car needs a complete oil change. The recommended rule of thumb is to change the oil every 5,000 miles. However, it won’t matter that much if you go a few hundred miles up or down – but not more than that.
It is possible to learn to change the oil yourself, but this is one of those tasks that you should leave to the experts. So when you think your car needs an oil change, take it to the mechanic. This is one of the easiest ways to ensure a long, smooth life of your car.
5. Change Air Filter Semi-Regularly
Another thing that most people seem to overlook is the importance of changing the air filter of your car. This simple task can help increase your car’s fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and prolong the life of the engine. And this is an easy job that you can do yourself without having to take your car to the mechanic.
However, it is a good idea to get your air filter changed by a mechanic the first few times and observe the procedure before starting to do it yourself. The recommended rule of thumb is to change the air filter every 12,000 miles or once a year. If you live in a particularly dusty place, it would be ideal to do it twice a year.
Maintaining a car is a simple process but requires some effort on your part. However, the payoff of doing so can be big in the long run. So get into the habit of maintaining your new Ford Ranger to ensure a long life for your car and make your investment worth it.