How to Take Care of Your Car and Keep It Running Strong for Years

Taking care of your car doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a few consistent habits, you can extend your vehicle’s lifespan, improve performance, and reduce the risk of costly repairs.

Whether you rely on your car for commuting, family responsibilities, or everyday errands, proper car maintenance protects both your safety and your finances. The tips below explain how to take care of your car in practical, realistic ways that work for most drivers. Additionally, we will explain how to get a title loan if you are in an emergency.

Look at Your Driving Habits

Your driving habits make a big difference in your car’s wear and tear to your engine and other important parts.

The most crucial moments are the first 10 minutes when you start your vehicle, or when it “starts cold”. Avoid racing the engine and accelerate slowly.

If you’re waiting for someone, avoid leaving the engine to idle. This causes incomplete fuel combustion, contaminates the oil, and leaves soot on the cylinder walls.

When you see a red light, shift to neutral to minimize strain on the engine and automatic transmission. You should also avoid sudden starts, stops and turns, it protects your car parts, and your own safety.

Small changes in driving behavior can significantly reduce long-term wear on your engine and transmission.

Get Quality Gas

Go to reputable gas stations, and make sure the gas isn’t contaminated with dirt and sediment. Ask the station how often they change the pump filters.

Also, ask what day the tanker usually comes to refill the station’s fuel supply. Don’t get your gas that day. During refilling, the sediment in the underground tankers get stirred up, which means that it can enter your fuel injectors and other parts. Consistent fuel quality plays a larger role in engine health than many drivers realize.

Don’t Force It When You’re Stuck

If you find yourself stuck in deep snow or mud, don’t try to get yourself out by spinning the tires at a high speed or switching repeatedly from forward to reverse. This can damage your clutch, transmission and other car parts.

Rather than damaging the car and incurring high repair costs, call a tow truck. To prevent this situation, always store traction aids and tools in the trunk. It doesn’t have to be expensive, go after minimum: a sack of cat litter, sand or gravel can do the trick.

Use a Light Keychain

Keeping unnecessary weight off your ignition can prevent premature ignition switch failure. A heavy keychain can cause wear and tear on the tumblers inside the ignition, which can cause the switch to fail. That’s why it’s better to use a light keychain and keep only your car key on it. Keep your other keys in another chain.

Track Your Mileage and Gas

Tracking fuel usage can help identify maintenance issues early. Take note of each day and time you gas up. Use a phone notetaking app or keep a pencil and notebook in your car.

Not only will that help you monitor your gas expenses, but also spot any unusual increase in mileage. That can indicate that there is something wrong with your car, so have it checked by a mechanic.

Choose a Good Parking Spot

Protecting your car from sun exposure also helps preserve resale and loan value. If you don’t have a garage, find a spot that has shade. Get car shades that can deflect UV sunlight so that the interiors don’t fade from all the sun exposure.

Clean the Interiors Regularly

Regular interior care helps maintain comfort and prevents long-term material damage. Don’t just wash your car exteriors. Regularly clean the interiors, too. Dirt particles can scratch the leather or vinyl, and liquid stains become harder to remove if you wait too long.

Use a vacuum with the right wand heads, and wipe the seat covers and dashboard with detergent dissolved in water.

Preserve Your Car During Long-Term Storage

If you know that you won’t be using your car for a long time, you need to take precautions so that it doesn’t deteriorate in storage.

First, make sure that there’s gas in the tank. Add a fuel stabilizer and drive around to distribute the stabilizer and help it settle. This can help prevent condensation from building up in the gas tank.

Wash the car, wax it, and then stuff a rag into the tailpipe so moist air can’t get in. Disconnect the battery and disengage the parking brake.

Fix any Damage Right Away

Does your car overheat, or make funny noises when you drive? Does it sometimes stall or take a long time to start? Don’t ignore these signs. Have your car checked by a mechanic as soon as you can.

Ignoring early warning signs often leads to more expensive repairs later. Addressing issues quickly helps protect your vehicle and your budget. In situations where repairs can’t wait, some drivers explore short-term financial options using their vehicle’s value.

What Is a Car Title Loan?

A car title loan is one option some vehicle owners use to access funds during a financial emergency. You can borrow up to $15,000 based on the value of your vehicle.

You can use any vehicle for a title loan: car, truck, motorcycle, RV, trailer, ATV, etc. It just has to be under your name and lien-free. That means it has no existing loans or other judgments. Title loans are commonly used for urgent expenses such as vehicle repairs, medical costs, or unexpected household needs.

 

Is It Hard to Get an Auto Title Loan?

The process for a title loan is actually much simpler and faster than getting a personal loan from a bank. The only few documents you need to present are your driver’s license or a state-issued ID, a lien-free vehicle title, proof of residency, and a proof of income. Compared to traditional loans, the process is typically faster because approval is based on vehicle value rather than credit history.

Your car will have to undergo a vehicle inspection, which determines the amount you can borrow. It takes less than 30 minutes, and once it’s approved, you can already get the money within a day! 

What are the Benefits of a Title Loan Vs Other Loans?

Understanding how title loans compare to other borrowing options can help you decide what works best for your situation. This breakdown of title loans vs. installment loans explains the key differences in repayment, loan amounts, and requirements.

• You don’t need a high credit score. Even if you have bad credit history, or no credit history at all, you can still apply for a title loan.
• Raise money quickly and conveniently. You can start your application process online and get money the same day (or the next banking day) after your vehicle inspection.
• Hassle-free process. No long lines, red tape, or frustrating waiting periods! You can go to credible online title loan lenders like Southwest Title Loans, who are known for fast and efficient application processes.
• You can still use your car. As long as you follow the regular payment schedule, you can use your car just like before.

How to Apply for Online Title Loans Near Me

If you decide a title loan fits your needs, the process is designed to be straightforward and accessible. You can call us, visit us at any branch location, or you can start the process online.

• Go to the Southwest Title Loans, Inc. homepage and fill out the application form.
• Our loan representative will contact you to explain the procedure, answer questions, tell you about the requirements, and arrange an appointment for the vehicle inspection.
• Go to one of our branches. The loan representative has already sent your information to the office, so you don’t have to deal with a lot of paperwork when you get there.
• Once the application is approved, you can already receive the cash.

If you’re still making payments on your vehicle, you can also avail of a registration loan. Give us a call at 623-266-9163 or contact us through the website to find out more about title loans and other ways you can raise emergency cash.

Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.