Gender stereotypes remain very much alive when it comes to car ownership. Many surveys and studies show that women prefer fuel-efficient, practical vehicles while men account for over 90 percent of sports car owners.

If you’re reading this, then more likely, you belong to the latter. If you are a high-net-worth person or love to reward yourself with some valuable, you might have a luxury sports vehicle parked in your garage.

Now, with maintenance, sports cars can be tricky. You cannot afford to make many mistakes because they can be costly. But you also don’t want to overburden yourself with too many to-dos.

How do you strike a balance then? One of the best steps is to know the essential parts to watch out for.

1. Tires

Sports cars typically come with low-profile tires that cannot take a lot of abuse. If you do not maintain them well, expect to pay through your nose once the damage is done.

Underinflated tires wear out faster since it has more surface area touching the ground, thus increasing friction. Uneven wear at the center of the tire can become a problem if you’re not careful.

On the other hand, overinflated tires develop bulges on their shoulders or sidewalls. It might tear them apart once they are driven aggressively. It can also trigger weird tire pressure warning lights.

2. Electronic Panels

Most modern sports cars feature state-of-the-art electronic systems, such as advanced engine management. They can be susceptible to liquids or fluids seeping inside them.

If your car’s battery is mounted under the bonnet, make sure you keep it clean and dry, especially when washing the vehicle. Inspect it for signs of corrosion because this can lead to an electrical short circuit that might damage the electronic panels.

Moisture can also accumulate in the garage. If you can, get a dehumidifier to maintain the air conditioner. If you’re using an automated garage, consider roller door repairs and maintenance to ensure it closes properly.

3. Brakes

Brakes are a crucial component of a sports car, especially one that can travel quickly and with great precision. The braking system is only as good as the pads you have installed, so do not skimp on this. This means your brakes must be changed regularly per the manufacturer’s specifications.

Make sure your brake pads are in good condition and that there’s no rust or dirt on the rotor. The brake pad material can fuse with the rotor and create a grinding noise when braking if you do not clean them off.

4. Suspension

Sports cars typically have stiff suspension setups that can quickly wear out if not used sparingly. If you’re not driving your vehicle regularly, it’s best to keep the suspension in its original factory setting. Otherwise, you might need to spend on replacements and repairs down the line.

5. Engine

The engine is the heart of any sports car, and proper maintenance is key to keeping it healthy and ready for action. If you drive a lot, your motor might use oil, especially when it burns heat faster from constant rigorous use. You might want to consider an oil catch can that can keep the air clean and the engine running smoothly.

Another thing to check is the spark plugs and ignition wires, which should be replaced about every 30,000 miles.

6. Drivetrain

Sports cars typically have a limited-slip differential, which is integral in transferring power to the wheels without much fuss. It helps in better grip when navigating tight corners or going around banking tracks.

A sports car’s drivetrain depends on the quality of its belts and fluid lines. If these are compromised, it can significantly affect the engine’s performance. Make sure all straps are taut and adequately installed. Fluid leaks are also a common problem, so make sure you watch everything under the hood.

7. Coolant

Car manufacturers design sports cars with optimized cooling systems to handle extreme heat during races or heavy traffic on city roads. To maintain peak performance, you must use its coolant type and check it regularly.

8. Driveline System

Sports cars come with several thousand pounds of torque that can be applied to the rear wheels. To make sure your vehicle can put all that power to the ground, it is essential to maintain the driveline system.

The differential, axle shafts, and CV joints must be in good condition, or you might experience problems like wheel hop (the car bounces up and down as it goes over a bump). This can lead to component failure and even loss of control.

These are just some things you need to watch out for when maintaining or owning a sports car. By being aware of these, you can save yourself a lot of headaches and expensive repairs in the future. Always consult your car’s owner’s manual for more specific information on proper care for your vehicle.