Owning a used car means you will need to invest in a considerable amount of proper maintenance to ensure that the vehicle provides optimal performance. Unless you have a pre-purchased maintenance plan, the onus of performing the car servicing falls squarely on your shoulders.

If you’re buying a used vehicle for the first time, you will have to create and follow a regular maintenance routine to keep your car running. With so many things to check and be aware of, you may find yourself wondering where to start. We have compiled a quick and easy 8-step plan that will make maintaining your used car a breeze. 

Step #1: Take Care of the Battery

There are many questions to ask before buying a used car that will help you determine the type of maintenance to focus on. One of the top questions should always be about the age and condition of the battery. A healthy battery will ensure that you can easily start your car when you need to.

Start your battery maintenance by checking the terminals for signs of corrosion and cleaning off any rust and dirt build-up. Next, you’ll need to check the voltage and overall condition. Doing a routine inspection will reduce the risk of you having to deal with a dead battery first thing in the morning.

Step #2: Check the Lights

The last thing you need is for your lights to go out or simply fail when you need them the most. Avoid this by checking all your lights every few months. Here, you will need to check your headlights, tail lights, brake lights, and fog lights. You will also need to test the high beam vs low beam quality and make adjustments if necessary.  

The vehicle’s lights should always be working correctly and must give off the same illumination all the time. Ask a friend to help you check the lights or park your car close to a white wall and test the illumination of each light. Light maintenance usually involves cleaning the glass, testing, and occasionally replacing fuses or bulbs.

Step #3: Tire Rotation and General Care

Correct tire care is critical for ensuring safety and overall performance. If you replace the tires when you buy the vehicle, you will be able to start your tire maintenance off on a clean slate.

Tire care involves checking pressure and thread. These should always match the prescribed manufacturer guidelines for the vehicle and tire brand. Look for signs of wear and tear, as this can make your tires unsafe. Rotate your tires regularly to ensure that there’s even wear across all four tires. Doing this helps to prolong your tire’s lifespan and also maintains stability on the road.

Step #4: Perform Regular Brake Inspections

Vehicle brakes need to be functioning at optimal capacity at all times to ensure your safety on the road. Check your brakes for damage and general brake wear. Worn brakes usually announce their failure by making grinding or squeaking noises long before the actual failure.  Reduced responsiveness is also a telltale sign that your brake pads or discs need changing.

Step #5: Do Regular Oil Changes

Regular oil changes are synonymous with used car maintenance. The oil in your vehicle lubricates the engine, which in turn reduces heat and friction between components. Regular usage causes the oil to break down and become less effective.

Check the manufacturer’s guidelines for the oil requirements of your vehicle and engine type. Test and change the oil as recommended. It’s a good idea to keep a small bottle of oil in your car’s emergency kit.

Step #6: Check the Other Fluids

Your used car won’t only run on oil but will require other fluids to be checked, topped up, or replaced. These fluids are essential for the various systems and components within your vehicle to run smoothly and enhance the overall performance of your car.

The most significant of these include:

• Brake fluid
• Transmission fluid
• Power steering fluid (if applicable)
• Engine coolant

Step #7: Replace the Air Filter

The air filter keeps dust, debris, and dirt out of your engine. A clean air filter also ensures optimal airflow. Routinely replacing or cleaning the air filter will ensure that there are no blockages that may hamper fuel efficiency or engine performance.

Step #8: Test the Windshield Wipers

Windshield wipers are essential in any rain and snow storm but you shouldn’t wait for the first downpour of the season to realize they are damaged or no longer working effectively. The wipers don’t need to be replaced often unless you live or drive through an area that gets a lot of ice. Always check that the wiper blades are solid and have no cracks or tears on them. Spray some water on your windscreen and test the efficiency of the wipers.

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