5 Car Care Tips

Maintaining your car is just as important as keeping your home maintained. Proper auto hygiene should also be practiced since your vehicle is likely one of your largest investments and what you rely on to safely get you and your loved ones where they need to be.

April 24, 2020 | Auto

By: Lisa D.

Lisa D. has almost 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, including over 15 years at Acuity. Before starting at Acuity, she obtained her P&C license and sold personal insurance. She keeps a pulse on industry trends while continuing to specialize in developing and updating personal auto insurance products. On top of that, Lisa has her Association in General Insurance (AINS) and Associate in Personal Insurance (API) designations. Outside of work, Lisa enjoys cooking, photography, and spending time with her family. The last two go hand in hand, as she takes pictures of her kids every day.

Author of Auto Focus

stock

Read the manual. Know where to find the owner’s manual for your car. This guide provides a wealth of information specific to your vehicle, including maintenance tips for which types of fluids to use and how often to change them, how to set and use various features of the vehicle, and how to troubleshoot basic problems.
Pay attention. There may be issues that arise between routine tune-ups. Pay attention to warning messages and unusual sounds from your car. When something goes awry, consult the owner’s manual and determine if you need to have it looked at by a service professional. If a vehicle has not been driven for a while, it is especially important to check the battery. A battery maintainer is a solid and relatively inexpensive investment to keep the battery fully charged, rather than risk overcharging by continuously charging.
Lock your car. The number of vehicles stolen with doors unlocked and keys left in is astounding. Help thwart thieves by locking your vehicle when it is unattended. Keep keys and valuable items out of clear view as well.
Clean regularly. Washing the exterior of your vehicle helps improve more than just the appearance. A good car wash will remove dirt, road salt, and debris from the underside as well. This combined with a well-kept interior will not only provide a more enjoyable ride for you and your passengers but will also increase your car’s trade-in or resale value.
Insure your vehicle. Accidents happen. Auto insurance can protect you from financial ruin and repair or replace your vehicle if damaged. When shopping for auto insurance, look for an insurance company with a good claims service reputation and knowledgeable and friendly agents.