Summary
- TLC stands for tender loving care, which means expressing love for your car by maintaining it thoroughly.
- TLC necessitates thorough maintenance, which includes, but is not limited to, keeping the vehicle clean inside and outside, fixing the faulty parts regularly, changing fluids timely, and checking their levels regularly.
- By giving TLC to your car, you can improve fuel economy, extend vehicle life and reduce the chance of costly car trouble.
- The consequence of not giving your car tender, loving care is that it can lead to costly repair bills and a drop in resale value.
- The average cost of TLC for a car with an average capacity of 500 miles is $550. The TLC of cars with over 500 miles costs up to $625.
Introduction
Tender loving care, commonly known as TLC, is a term that refers to the love and attention that someone gives to another person or thing. It is usually used when the person giving the care has a strong emotional attachment to the person or thing being cared for. Tender-loving care is not limited to human beings; cars also need it. This is what car owners need to do to ensure that their vehicles are safe to drive on the roads.
Cars are not just a means of transportation. They are also an investment and one that needs to be cared for properly to last.
The love you show for your car by giving it TLC extends its lifespan and saves you from the expenses of big repairs.
Following are the aspects included in the performance of TLC in a car.
Keeping the Vehicle Clean Inside and Outside
“A clean car is money in the bank,” said Rich White, Car Care Council executive director. The nonprofit Car Care Council suggests some simple steps keep your vehicle clean and protect it from the elements to retain its resale and trade-in value.
De-clutter
A clean car improves the car’s look and helps keep it safe and secure. Removing clutter inside your vehicle is important because it can cause safety hazards. Objects like bottles and beverage cans usually cause accidents when they roll and get stuck under the brake or gas pedal. Last year a woman crashed her car into a building in Wharton. It was reported that the cause of the crash was a water bottle that fell and blocked the brake pedal [1].
The car trunk should be cleared of unnecessary items as they add extra weight and reduce fuel efficiency.
Clean the Interior
It is important to keep your car clean on the outside, yet it is equally important to keep it clean on the inside. The inside of your car can become a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. The most common place for germs and bacteria to grow is on the steering wheel, gear shift, and armrests. These surfaces are touched by many people every day. This can lead to various health problems, such as colds, flu, or food poisoning. In research conducted by Aston University in Britain, it was found that there are higher levels of germs inside cars than in the average toilet [2].
A study published by Princeton University says a messy car interior can cause distractions and stress while driving [3].
To avoid these risks, you should wipe down these surfaces with a disinfectant or antibacterial wipes before you get in your car. Besides, use a vacuum cleaner with an attachment for carpeting. This will eliminate any dirt tracked into the car from outside or shoes.
Wash the Exterior
It is important to wash your car regularly. If you don’t, you may not be able to remove dirt and grime from the exterior of your car. Dirt and grime can also cause damage to the paint job of your car. Therefore, you should wash your car’s exterior with a hose or pressure washer at least once a month. Moreover, to wash your car, use only those products that are specifically made for automobiles.
Wax Your Car Twice a Year:
Keeping your car clean outside is not only about making it look good but also about protecting the paint with a layer of wax. Waxing twice a year will help you maintain the quality of your car’s paint and keep it looking new for years to come.
Cover Paint Chips
Even if there is minor paint damage, get your car a paint touchup as soon as possible. Delay may cause further damage. However, to have a quick fix, nail polish can be applied to cover the scratch.
Other than the care mentioned above, the following steps should be taken to give your car TLC:

Check Tires
Maintaining your car is important to ensure that it lasts and does not break down. Therefore, it is significant to check the tire pressure, rotate them and ensure they are in good condition.
It is important to check the tire pressure regularly, especially in winter.
According to the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association, for every 10-degree drop, tire pressure decreases by one to two pounds per square inch (PSI).
Checking the tire pressure is crucial for the car’s safety, tire life, and fuel consumption.
Keep Track of the Fluids
Maintaining your car is important to ensure that it is in good condition and will last a long time. It can also save you money and time in the future. Keeping track of your car’s fluids is one way to maintain it. In addition, performing simple preventative vehicle maintenance will go a long way toward protecting your vehicle investment, says the nonprofit Car Care Council.
Many fluids need to be monitored regularly, such as engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, windshield washer fluid, and more. Maintaining these fluids ensures that your car will run smoothly without any problems.
Installation of New Air Filter
The installation of new air filters can improve the performance of your car. It removes dirt and dust from the air to keep your engine clean and running efficiently. Moreover, it prevents pollutants from entering the car’s interior. Besides, a new filter can make your car smell fresher.
Regularly Get Your Brakes Inspected
Regularly getting your car inspected is a substantial task to do. However, there are many things that you should look out for when it comes to your car. One of the most important things to check is the brakes. Remember to replace your car’s brake pads every 40,000-50,000 miles. Keeping them in good condition will help you avoid accidents and save you money in the long run.
The Car Care Council recommends that drivers inspect their cars if they hear any noise from the brakes or feel any abnormality in the breaks.
Inspect Exterior Lights & Battery
Inspect the vehicle lights, wipers, and mirrors on your car. If they are not working, you should replace them.
Besides, look for corrosion on the battery terminals and cables. This can lead to corrosion and a shortage in your car’s wiring system. You should get your battery tested by a professional if you suspect it is not holding a charge or is leaking fluid from its vent caps.
Have Your Car’s Suspension Inspected
Having your car’s suspension inspected is mandatory to ensure that your car is safe and performs well. It is recommended that you have a suspension inspection every year or two. This will guarantee that your car performs well and has the necessary protection from wear and tear.

What are the Benefits of TLC?
TLC is the best way to save money on car maintenance. It is a preventive maintenance service that ensures your car is in optimal condition and running smoothly. It helps you avoid costly repairs, which can be expensive.
Some of the benefits of TLC are:
- Helps with your car’s performance and efficiency
- Reduces fuel consumption
- Prevents wear and tear on your vehicle
Rich White, executive director Car Care Council said,

Consequences of Not Giving Your Car TLC
The first consequence of not giving your car tender, loving care is that it can lead to a costly repair bill. This is because cars are sensitive and need regular maintenance to function properly. So if you neglect your car for too long, it can lead to an expensive repair bill.
The second consequence of not giving your car tender, loving care might affect the vehicle’s resale value. This is because when a person buys a used vehicle, they usually check for any signs of wear and tear on the vehicle before buying it. Therefore, if any signs show that the previous owner needed to take better care of their car, they might want to avoid buying it.
