Owning a car is a dream for many people. If you already have your first car, see how to care for your car so that it lasts, stays in good condition for a long time, and has the best resale value.

Owning a car is one of the assets on many people's dream list. To reach various places safely and comfortably, private vehicles are still the best choice. If you already have your first car, you not only have to be able to use it, but also look after it.

After all, cars are durable goods , namely objects that have benefits over a long period of time. So that it can remain optimal for a long period of time, the car needs to be in prime condition. Like humans, cars also need to be cared for to stay healthy.

You will also enjoy the benefits of maintaining your car when you want to sell it later. Because, you can only get the best price if the car you are offering is in prime condition.

How to maintain a car

How? Do you agree that you need to maintain the condition of your car? If yes, let's look at some basic maintenance steps you need to take to maintain the condition of your car.

1. Using the right fuel

As a car owner, of course you are aware that there are various types of fuel available today. When world oil prices are high, like now, the difference between the cheapest fuel and the most expensive is quite large.

If you want your car engine to last, you shouldn't buy fuel based on economic considerations alone. Don't just save money, buy the cheapest one. What you should do is buy fuel that suits your car engine's needs.

Many cars today use engines that require the use of fuel with a certain octane level. For example, cars with turbo engines require fuel with an octane level of 92.

If you are not blind about machinery, check the manual that you got when you bought the car. There there must be specifications for the fuel needed by your car's engine.

2. Change the oil regularly

The oil and filter components must be replaced regularly to maintain engine durability. Just so you know, oil has many functions for car engines. Not only does it reduce friction between engine components, oil also cools the engine. Lubricants also clean dirt and prevent rust from entering the car engine.

As the car engine operates, oil will be used. Exposure to air and heat will erode oil life more quickly. The oil must also be changed because this fluid is exposed to dirt and rust.

All cars today are equipped with indicators that show the condition of the engine oil. If the oil can no longer be used, there is an indicator light that lights up on the car dashboard. However, you need to remember, if the indicator comes on, it means the oil in your car is no longer suitable for use. And, it could pose a risk of engine damage.

What you have to do is change the oil and filter before the indicator lights up. When is the time? For new cars, it's easy. You just have to follow the recommended oil change times contained in the manual.

Car manufacturers will recommend oil changes based on two references, namely mileage or engine usage time. For example, it is recommended that the oil be changed when the odometer shows 10,000km, or a year of use. So, you should change the oil if any of these recommendations are met.

Oh yes, for new cars, oil is not only needed for the main engine and brakes. But also in certain parts, such as power steering . You also have to change the oil for these special parts regularly.

3. Check and replace the battery regularly

For cars with fuel engines, the battery is a source of electricity. This battery ignites the fire which is then burned by gasoline. This compressed combustion results, which will produce power to move the car.

Another important role of the battery is to store electricity used by various electrical components in the car. Take for example the lights in the interior, the audio system and the electrical devices to close and open doors and windows automatically.

Like batteries, batteries have a limited lifespan. Its ability to store electricity will decrease over time. Usually, car batteries must be replaced after being used for two or three years.

4. Check tire eligibility

As the part of the car that directly touches the road, tires are an important component. Tires play a role in ensuring the car moves and maneuvers stably. If the tires are not in good condition, the car can move out of control.

Tire conditions that can cause danger such as inappropriate air pressure. Whether the wind pressure is excessive or insufficient. Inappropriate air pressure will cause the tires to lose traction. Tires can also tear due to inappropriate pressure.

Some cars today have air pressure indicators on the tires. If your car is equipped with this kind of indicator, you just have to monitor it every time you drive.

If your car doesn't have an air pressure indicator, do a visual check. Tires with less air pressure will be easier to see. To make sure the tire pressure is not excessive, you can use a measuring tool.

The air in the tires usually decreases, or may also increase, over the course of a week. So, it's a good idea to check the air pressure in your tires once a week, or at most once a month.

Tire suitability is also determined by the thickness or tread pattern on its surface. If it is worn out, or there is no longer any development in the tread, the tire's grip is very low. This type of tire is no longer suitable for use and must be replaced.

Usually, tire treads will wear out within two-three years. How fast it goes will depend on the life of the car, as well as the condition of the roads it frequently travels on.

5. Check the brakes regularly

The function of the brakes in a car certainly doesn't need to be explained any more. Without brakes, it is impossible to control a car safely. To ensure that your car's brakes are working at all times, don't forget to check them regularly.

For new cars, brake checks will be carried out following the routine service schedule set by the car manufacturer. When checking the brakes, the repair shop will usually replace the oil and filter.

6. Check and fill radiator water and other fluids

When it is on, the car engine will heat up. If it is not cooled, the temperature will continue to increase, risking the engine being damaged. This cooling task is mainly carried out by the radiator.

To be able to play the role of cooling, the radiator needs water, or coolant , which is currently more popularly used. Make sure that your car radiator has the required amount of water or coolant .

Don't forget to check the availability of water in the glass cleaning tube. In rainy days, wipers and glass cleaning fluid play an important role. If your car windows are blurry, you definitely won't feel comfortable and safe when driving.

7. Clean the car regularly

The maintenance you should do most often is washing the car body. Even though it seems trivial, cars need to be washed regularly to maintain the condition of the paint. The inside of the car also needs to be kept clean so as not to attract insects. Make sure there are no food scraps or other rubbish tucked between the inside of the car.

Car engines should also be cleaned regularly. However, engine cleaning is best left to those who know. If the machine is cleaned by someone who doesn't understand, there is a risk that water will enter the gaps in the machine. This could actually damage the machine.

If you have a new car, follow the regular service schedule. Usually, at certain stages of the inspection, the repair shop will offer to clean the engine.

8. Check the lights

There's no harm in checking the function of the car lights. Like big lights or turn signals. Don't let it happen that when driving at night, some of the lights in your car don't work. This condition not only endangers you, but also other drivers.

9. Provides extra protection for the car

To ensure that your car can continue to function, you need to have vehicle insurance. One vehicle insurance that you can consider is Allianz MobilKu from Allianz Indonesia. By having Allianz MobilKu , you will get financial protection against risks that might befall your car.

The risks protected by Allianz MobilKu are 24-hour Emergency Road Assistance and a 24/7 network of workshops and Allianz Care.

Allianz MobilKu provides three options, namely Mobilku Eco, Mobilku Grand and Mobilku Non Package.

MobilKu Eko is economical vehicle insurance, according to your car's needs. MobilKu Grand is vehicle insurance that provides complete and hassle-free protection, such as protection from floods, vehicle theft by drivers, taxi accommodation, etc. MobilKu Non-Package is vehicle insurance whose protection can be tailored to your choices and needs.