I'm In Love With My Car

When you turn 16, your car is, quite honestly, your true first love. Think of all the hours spent caring for it. All the long, luxurious car washes. Those refreshing oil changes and tune-ups. Keeping the inside clean and uncluttered. As we grow older, our cars simply become conveniences. Unfortunately, they're conveniences we often take for granted.

It's time you fell in love with your car again. Here are five ways to show your car that you still love it just as much as the day you got it.

Get Your Oil Changed: Oil is the lifeforce that keeps your car's engine running. Make sure you keep your oil - and oil filter - changed on a regular basis to keep your car performing at an optimal level. Without regular oil changes, your car loses its ability to help your engine keep up with the stresses of regular travel. This means not changing your oil or oil filter can ultimately ruin your engine, and stop your car for good.

Give Your Car a Good Wash: This time of year, road salt, slush, and other messy components can do a number on your car's paint job. Keep that beautiful sheen intact by giving your car regular washings to remove all the salt and other gunk. 

Take a Look at the Battery: A functioning battery is crucial to keeping your car on the road. If you're noticing a lot of corrosion buildup around the contacts, take some time to clear it up. Corrosion at or around your battery's contact points reduce your battery's ability to adequately power your vehicle. If the battery's over two years old, it may be time to replace it.

Maintain Your Brakes: The brakes on your car are crucial to staying safe on the road. They're also one of the most sensitive parts of your car. Brake fluid tends to absorb moisture, and that moisture can cause heavy damage to your braking system. Have the brake fluid checked and changed regularly to minimize wear and tear on the system. Also, keep an eye on your brake pads. If they're starting to screech or squeal, or your car feels like it's having trouble braking, it may be time to replace them.

Swap Air Filters: A clean air filter means a clean and healthy engine. Your air filter keeps your car's engine running by filtering out all the nasty stuff in the air that makes its way under the car's hood. Switching out a dirty air filter for a clean one keeps your car performing long and strong, the way it should.