5 Car Maintenance Tips for Seniors
Car maintenance can be a challenging prospect the older you get, but it’s no less important. In fact, if you would like your vehicle to last throughout your retirement years, it’s even more vital to keep it in proper working order and prevent issues through regular car maintenance.
Here are five ways you can make sure your vehicle is ready to handle the roadway and keep you safe:
1. Change the Oil Regularly
Oil is the lifeblood of your car’s engine. Without clean oil, don’t expect your car to function at a high level or last for an extended period of time. Check the owner’s manual of your car before you schedule an oil change.
Depending on the make, model and type of oil you use, you may not need to get an oil change every 3,000 miles according to traditional rules. Modern cars last for up to 10,000 miles between oil changes, but still, neglecting this basic car maintenance step can have serious repercussions.
2. Make Sure All Lights Function
If you primarily drive your car during the daytime while you do your errands, you may not realize that a headlight or taillight has burned out. On a regular basis, check all the lights to see if they still work properly so if you do have to drive at night, your safety is not compromised.
3. Flush the Cooling System
Flushing your car’s radiator is one of the top car maintenance tips because it removes all contaminants from the cooling system, allowing it to run cleaner and more efficiently. Rust and scale deposits will be removed and the new supply of anti-freeze will protect against future corrosion or foaming.
4. Maintain Tire Pressure
If you’re a senior, you don’t want to find yourself on the side of the road with a flat tire. Even if you have roadside assistance, waiting in an extremely hot or cold car could be detrimental to your health. Make sure all tires are fully inflated before you embark on a trip and check for signs of severe or uneven wear – this could mean you need tire replacements.
5. Clean and Wax
When you’re trying to keep your vehicle in the best condition possible, you have to take care of the outside too. This is especially important if you live in areas where your car is constantly exposed to salt water or road salt which can expedite the corrosion process. Get the underbody of your car washed and have the entire exterior paint coat waxed. Your car will not only maintain its sturdiness, but it will retain its value as well.
Your Vehicle is an Investment
If you’re a retired senior, you probably live on a fixed income and you want to make your car last. Preventing car problems is a sure way to help keep your budget stable for years to come. Focus on car care today, and you’ll make sure you get the most value out of your vehicle, maximizing your investment.
If you’re looking at your budget and examining how you can cut costs, your first phone call should be to My Senior Health Plan. We can help you by assessing your insurance needs and potentially lowering your out-of-pocket costs, leaving more financial room for other areas of your budget, such as car care and maintenance.
