Buying a brand new or used car is a great investment. You do not only spend money, but also time on it. To get the value on your investment, you should make sure it lasts as long as possible. This requires high level care and maintenance. The following are some of the simple ways on how you can maintain your car to last longer.

Car Maintenance Tips

1. Change the filters often

Your automobile air and oil filters may get clogged after sometimes. Clogging of the filters can bring several problems, so it is advisable to check and change them on a regular basis. It is good to have them replaced during the normal car servicing. The job is simple so you can do it by yourself, but you can also seek help from your mechanic if you are not confident on how to go about it. Washing the filters also goes a long way in enhancing their lifespan.

2. Apply best driving practices

The way you drive your car can highly determine whether it lasts long or not. You should drive it smoothly regardless of the engine condition. Applying the best driving practice help minimize wear and tear. Some of these practices include taking the right control of the steering wheel, pedals, gearbox and looking ahead at all times to avoid sudden breaking. Make sure you rev your engine fully to prevent buildup of carbon deposits that reduce your car efficiency.

3. Leads and spark plug replacements

The performance of your car engine is very essential to the overall efficiency and durability of the car. You can enhance the performance of your car engine by regular replacement of your high tension leads and spark plugs. As you inspect the spark plugs, make sure they have light brown insulators and electrodes. Besides, ensure no signs of deposits, wear or melting are visible. In case the leads are cracked or are worn out, they require replacement. Consult a reputable auto body Vancouver shop to do the job.

4. Change the fluids on a regular basis

It is good to note that fluids act as your car lifeblood. If you do not replenish them, several problems would occur. You should check engine oil bi-weekly. Make sure the oil levels are between the lower and upper limits. The oil should be light yellow brown in colour in case your car has a petrol engine. Dirty and dark oil requires immediate replacement. It is also advisable to check coolant reservoir fortnightly. Fill it with 50 percent antifreeze and same amount of distilled water.

5. Checking and maintaining the tyres

The most critical safety features of your car are the tyres. Checking them once a week is a great way to enhance your car efficiency and saving money. Note that underinflated tyres lead to more fuel consumption, so they should always have the right pressures. Another important consideration to know is that the pressures may differ for the back and front tyres. You can also increase their lifespan by swapping them from time to time. Besides, professional alignment may help reduce the wearing out of the tyres.

6. Cleaning your car

One of the ways of maintaining a car is by regular cleaning. This is not a task that only makes the car look great, but it also increases its overall lifespan. Grime and grit affect the different car moving parts leading to increased risk of tear, wear and corrosion. Take it to a car wash and apply protective spray on the body to reduce the risks of discoloration and cracking.

7. Car battery maintenance

In case you do not use the car for a long time its battery may go flat or degrade. If you jumpstart it, this puts more strain on the battery. This may damage the engine system of the car and other delicate parts. If your car is not being used, you need to use a trickle charger to ensure that battery is topped up.

8. Rust proof the car

Nowadays most of the cars are rust resistant. However, metal corrosion still acts as a factor that affects the lifespan of most cars. Once your car develops rust, it is uneconomical to repair it. Therefore, if you find signs of lasting, you need to act immediately. The first thing you should do is to apply a touch up paint on the affected part before its gets re-sprayed professionally. You can also rust-proof your car by filling the cavities using a waxy substance made to prevent water infiltration.

The above are simple ways you can enhance the lifespan of your car. Car maintenance is not expensive, so you should never allow your car to become inefficient by not doing the right care. You can also regularly take it to a reputable auto body Vancouver shop for regular checking to ensure it is in the right conditions at all times.

Why you should know the different types of auto body repair?

Your car is a vital asset worth protecting. It costs you a good investment, so it is necessary to ensure that it is in the right condition at all times. Like any other machine you own, your car is prone to damage as a result of car accident Vancouver or the normal tear and wear. Some of the damages may make your car dysfunctional. Others may not have immediate effect on the functionality of the car, but if they remain unattended, your car may break down at some point. To avoid such inconveniences, it is good to have your car repaired immediately you note there is an issue that requires attention. A good auto body shop in Vancouver can help do the right repairs.

Knowing the different types of auto body repair is necessary to help you make the right decision. The knowledge helps avoid the nervousness that comes when you find your car is damaged. Besides, you also make the right decision as to whether you take it to a car body shop Vancouver or your mechanic.

Types of auto body repair

1. Paintless dent repair

This is one of the most advanced types of auto body repair. It has brought great impact in the auto body business. When a car body gets a dent or dents, but the paint work is not affected, this is the best type of repair to be done. A paintless dent removal is the best option in such a situation. When paintless dent repair is done, your mechanic makes use of the state of the art tools to tap away from the car body dent. After this procedure is completed, you can expect your car to attain its new look again.

2. Body filler

For more severe car body issues, body filling is usually the best option to restore the car.  Your mechanic will apply the body filler, which is a material added to the car dent surface. This type of repairs is the best option when the dent is big. The body filler get smoothened to come up with a smooth line over the dented surface. When the body filler dries completely, the area is then painted to look like the rest of the car body. After the work is completed, your car body does not look like it had any dent.

3. Bumper replacements

bumper replacement

During a car accident Vancouver, the back and front bumpers are often the most affected parts. This mostly happens if the accident involves a collision. In case the bumpers get damaged completely, they require to be replaced. A reputable car body shop Vancouver helps order and replaces the bumper with the one that suits your car model and make.

4. Car body painting

This is a common type of auto body repair. The repair is mostly done to help protect the outside part of the car. The body painting helps protect the body from weathering or it can be for cosmetic purposes. During an accident, your car may get direct damage or might get a deep scratch on the outside part after a collision. Most people view this type of repair just for cosmetic purposes, but it goes a long way in protecting your car from further damages. Note that chips and scratches do pose great risks to your car including cracking, paint damage and rusting. Therefore, car body painting helps protect your car from all these issues. The most critical thing is to make sure the paint applied matches the body and model of the car.

5. Car collision repair

collision repair

A car accident in Vancouver may involve collision. Car collision repair may include several fixes and is necessary to enhance the functionality and durability of your car.  A collision can occur anytime and most people tend to ignore the damages that result because they seem minor.  To avoid further problems it is good to have a car body Vancouver shop assess the damage and have it repaired. The repair work may involve working on the damaged frame or other car body parts.

6. Window repair and replacement

Window damage is one of the most common problems you may face with your car. The damage may come in different sizes and shapes. Besides, the damage can result from various causes. Some of the major causes of car window damage include collision, dust storm, hailstorm among others.  This type of auto body repair involves just repairing the window or replacement if it is extremely damaged.

7. Frame alignment and repair

Car frame repair or alignment is necessary to ensure that your car stop shaking or pulling to the right or left while driving. This form of repair is necessary to enhance the overall health of your car. It also helps avoid accidents because when your car shakes or pull to the right or left there is a high risk of accident.

8. Car detailing

car detailing

is a form of auto body repair that may not be necessary to enhance the health of your car. It is a form of repair that just makes you feel proud of your automobile. The repair may involve polishing the taillights and headlights or touching the paint. Besides making your car look good, it also enhances its resale value.

It is our goal to provide peace of mind as well as fast and reliable auto body repair services to everyone who visits our Vancouver auto body shop. For more information, or to arrange for a free and accurate estimate on any repairs you need, feel free to contact us today.