To be a good father is to be a gifted teacher. Who we are and what we do today is a tribute to everything our dads or father figures have taught us in life. When it comes to cars, wise advice from fathers or father figures is something we take seriously when we are faced with any issues.
So, in light of Father’s Day, here are five best car advice we’ve heard from fathers and father figures, which you can also pass down to your kids.
A ‘Healthy’ Engine for a ‘Healthy’ Car
A well-performing functional car requires a healthy engine which must be well-maintained to avoid issues such as engine breakdowns and to ensure lasting performance. One way to do that is to make sure the engine oil is checked regularly and changed as scheduled. As there are many moving and rotating parts in a car, the engine has to be well lubricated. When the oil starts to degrade and gets burnt off, friction between the parts might slowly increase which will affect the engine’s performance, as well as drivability.
Overheating can also cause engine malfunction. Keeping the temperature of the engine within its cool limits where the cooling system comes into play - when this system malfunctions, (maybe due to a leak), the engine can overheat and cause serious complications when you drive.
Keep Your Tyres in Shape
The lifespan of your tyres can quickly depreciate if they aren’t properly taken care of. Tyres that aren’t properly inflated can be a risk or threat on the road as they can become distorted and explode. One way to avoid this is to check the air pressure in your tyres monthly.
The proper air pressure for tyres is determined by the weight and design of the car, as well as the specific tyre dimensions recommended by the manufacturer. Usually, you can find the information about the air pressure on a sticker located by the driver’s door.
Time to Hit the Brakes or Change Them
Car brakes play a crucial part in your car’s performance. If your brakes don’t work properly, it can put you, your passengers, and others on the road in great danger. One way to ensure its working condition is to check the brake and the brake pads once a year.
If the brake pad is worn out or if you hear a cracking sound when you hit the brakes, it is time for a replacement. You should also check your brake fluids regularly as it works in transferring heat to all the different parts of the brake system.
Maximize Fuel Efficiency
The easiest and most effective way you can improve fuel efficiency is to change your driving habits. One way to do that is to minimize driving your car on a cold engine. This will burn more fuel due to the fuel injectors sending more fuel through the system to operate the car. Additionally, you are putting the cylinders and pistons at risk of wearing out when you drive off on a cold engine. So, to save fuel, you can start the engine and drive the car at a steady pace without acceleration to warm up the engine to a warmer temperature faster.
You should also avoid braking hard and with rapid accelerations - this will only lower the fuel efficiency because it burns more fuel. Another way to save fuel is by minimizing the use of your car’s air conditioner. You can do this by rolling down the windows during your drives once in a while.
Choosing a Quality Used Car
If you are looking to buy a car on a tight budget, opting for a used car is a smart alternative. Not only are used cars much more affordable, but you would also be able to pay off your loan in a shorter period of time. However, we understand that you may be wary of buying a used car because of its second hand nature. Fret not, with the right dealer, you can get a quality used car with a great deal.
Here are some ways on how you can spot a good quality used car.
- Review the service or maintenance report: used cars that are serviced consistently according to their schedule give an indication that the car is in a good shape.
- Check the inspection report: find a dealer that offers transparency in their transactions such as Carsome, which lists the full 175-point inspection report with pictures to showcase the exterior, interiors and more. Additionally, they offer a five-day money-back guarantee and a one-year warranty for extra peace of mind.
- Take it out for a test drive: always view the car before your purchase to ensure its quality. Test driving is a great way to test the car’s brakes, tyres, gears, and engine for any abnormalities or issues.
- Remember, Thank Your Dad!
What we learn from our dad, or our father figures are great life lessons that make us who we are today. Their sacrifice, love, and dedication made sure we turned out to be the best version of ourselves and for that, we humbly thank them!
If your dad is beside you, give him a great big hug and thank him for everything he has done. If not, ring him up and remind him how much you appreciate his life lessons.
Happy Father’s Day and stay safe!
This article was inspired by “What My Father Taught Me About Cars” on Carsome.my.
