Can you think of a protective accessory that will help you preserve the excellent condition of the carpet as well as the floor pan of your car? If you can’t think of any it only means that you’re disregarding the upkeep of your vehicle’s interior. Ok, maybe you’re just pressed for time that’s why you’re unable to do this.

A protective accessory that you can use for your car is the floor mat. Hmm, now that I’ve said it, you’re saying, “why didn’t I think of that?” Well, just blame it on memory gap.

Floor mats are very helpful add-ons for the interior because they can prevent spilled drinks, food stains, and mud from damaging the carpet. Cleaning and replacing your car’s carpet involves more money than installing a floor mat, that’s why it’s more practical. With the floor mat you only need to remove it and wash it down and soap and water to remove any dirt stuck to it. Floor mats come in different designs and sizes to suit varying tastes and preference.

Once you have a floor mat inside your car, that’s the only time you’ll be able to appreciate its full value.

Photo Credit: Etrailer

Your car education is not over yet. Here’s the continuation of the know-how.

Oil Level Check

Oil is the single most vital fluid for maintaining your vehicle’s well being. If it drops below a safe level or deteriorates to a state of ineffectiveness, your entire drivetrain could be history. It needs to be checked on a regular basis and, since manufacturers know this, they try to make the process a simple, straightforward task. The oil dipstick will often be clearly labeled with words like “ENGINE OIL” or “OIL” written on a brightly colored plastic ring. Pull on this ring until the dipstick comes completely out, then wipe it with a clean rag. Reinsert the dipstick and make sure it goes all the way in or you will get a false reading. Pull it back out and look closely to determine the oil level. It should be between the two marks at the end of the dipstick, often labeled with “add” and “fill.” You can also check the oil’s color and consistency at this time to see that it does not contain any small metal flakes and that it has a clear or medium-brown color. If the oil has a black color, it should probably be changed.

Coolant Check

If oil is number one in the fluid pecking order, water, or coolant, ranks a close second because of its role as a heat regulator. Unless you have an older Volkswagen Beetle (or a not-so-old Porsche 911), you will want to check your coolant level as often as you check the oil. This should be done with the engine off and when the vehicle is cold, and must be done when the vehicle is cold if you are opening the actual radiator. Most late-model cars have an overflow tank (light-colored plastic with a rubber tube going into its cap) that can be checked to determine coolant level with no chance of scalding, but even these engines should be cold for an accurate reading. Once again, there will be marks on the overflow tank, often labeled “MIN” and “MAX,” that will make identifying your coolant level a no-brainer. If you have an older vehicle with no overflow tank, open the radiator when the engine is completely cold and look inside to check for coolant. It should be visible just below the radiator opening.

Miscellaneous Fluid and Battery Check:

With tires, oil and coolant out of the way, you’ve covered the most crucial aspects of vehicle maintenance. Now all that’s left is a general fluid check and battery check. As with the overflow tank for coolant, many of today’s vehicles make checking fluids a snap through the use of semi-transparent plastic reservoirs in the engine compartment. By simply looking at these containers, one can quickly see if they are low on brake fluid, power steering fluid, or windshield washer fluid. Older vehicles used mostly metal reservoirs in the engine compartment and these must be opened to check their level. Finally, a regular battery inspection is also a good idea and can help avoid that dreadful feeling of turning the ignition key and having nothing happen. Check the battery terminals and cables to see that they are free of corrosion. Also check around the battery for signs or leakage. If either of these conditions exist, you should have a mechanic look at it to see if the battery is damaged or just needs to be cleaned up.

These How-to tips from Edmunds are very comprehensive. Do you think you can manage them? I hope so. You’ll be at a big advantage if you have this know-how.

Source: Edmunds