Being a used car owner can be tricky. On the one hand, you can save a considerable sum on your car purchase expenses. However, you have to take extra care of your vehicle to ensure that it lasts almost as long as a brand new vehicle that would come at a much higher cost. You have to remember that getting a clean PPSR record for your used car is not a guarantee that your vehicle will keep on running smoothly no matter what you do with it. Here are 5 ways that you need to adopt to take good care of your second hand vehicle.

Clean your car inside out
It is important that you take good overall care of your vehicle – the inside as well as the outside. Keep the car body dent free and clean. Wash it as frequently as possible, vacuum the interior cabin and polish the tires and dashboard. You have to be careful where you drive the car, so as to prevent dents and bumps from arising on the body of your car.

Check the engine
You should also inspect the engine of the vehicle. Avoid unnecessarily opening your car bonnet so that there is no severe dust exposure. Check the water and oil to make sure that it stays topped up for the car to function in a proper way. Even in case you doubt that your engine has developed some issues, do not get tempted to have it repaired all by yourself. It is a better idea to allow a professional mechanic with proper skills and knowledge to inspect the vehicle and carry out the repair on your behalf.

Take good care of the tires and wheels
Keep in mind that you need to get the tires regularly inflated, so as to avoid it from getting flat. When your tires are inflated enough, your driving performance can be optimal. Change the tires if you find the tread to be low. Do not drive with the tires for a long time, as could prevent the car from quickly coming to a halt – unlike what the case is with new tires.

Inspect the brakes
It is also a good idea for you to check your used car brakes frequently, particularly if you find anything abnormal. In case you hear the brakes whistle or squeak or find that the brake pedal is too soft, you need to have it inspected. The problem could be with the brake discs, or some other element of the brake. When it comes to the brakes, it is better for you to be safe instead of being sorry.

Rotate and balance the tires
You should also rotate the tires and balance them as per the recommendations of the manufacturer. Make sure that your second hand car tires have sufficient pressure in them, so that they can last for more time. You need the technician to inspect the tread depth so that you understand when you have to replace the tires. Inspect the shocks to ensure the best operation.