You’ve probably heard over and over again about how important it is to get your car’s oil changed and other types of preventive maintenance. Chances are, you probably get maintenance done on your vehicle fairly regularly—after all, it helps your car run better, preserves its value, and extends its lifespan. But when was the last time you thought about maintenance for your computer, tablet, or smartphone?
Like cars, devices need periodic maintenance to help them run well and last as long as possible. In many ways, computers and other devices physically operate much like vehicles. A computer, for example, has moving parts and electrical components, both of which produce heat. There are also features, like drivers, that bridge the gap between two components, like the CPU (the brain of the computer) and the storage device.
Dusting your device will protect it against heat damage; updating drivers will help to keep components communicating with each other smoothly. However, if these aren’t kept up on, you can have problems with overheating or other issues that can cause downtime and data loss.
How to Maintain Your Device
Whether you have a computer, smartphone, or tablet, here are some more tips that will help you keep your device well-maintained.
- Keep on top of updates. Did you know that overdue updates are the #1 cause of devices freezing? Updates do more than just ensure all your device components and software can communicate—they also add new and improved features, fix known issues, make the device run more efficiently, fix touch responsiveness and brightness issues, improve security, and more. If your device isn’t working well for any reason, making sure it’s updated is the best place to start. Plus, they’re easy to do! Simply follow the prompt and let the update do its thing.
- Keep your phone and tablets clean. Smartphones and tablets are constantly exposed to germs, dust, and other debris, so it’s important to clean them periodically. Regardless of the model, the instructions are the same: turn off your device, unplug it from the charger, and use a soft, slightly damp lens cloth to clean the surface. Never spray water, soap, or cleansers directly onto your device. If you’re worried about damaging it, we can show you the safest way to clean it.
- Keep the charging ports clear. The charging port can become blocked by lint, dirt, or other debris, which can prevent your device from charging properly. If you see debris in the port, use a soft new toothbrush to clear it. Never use compressed air—it can cause damage to sensitive components.
- Use a protective case. All portable devices can benefit from a protective case, whether a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Look for products that have good reviews and impact resistance.
- Use screen protectors. A screen protector will protect your device’s screen from any scratches or cracks. If you drop it on a hard surface, there’s less likelihood that you’ll have to worry about it shattering. We offer clear tempered glass screen protectors and back screen protectors, as well as privacy screen protectors—plus free installation with purchase. Did you buy a screen protector from somewhere else? We’re happy to install it for you for a $10 fee. If your screen does get shattered, don’t worry! We offer screen replacements, including an as-you-wait service for iPhones.
- Remove old apps and data. It’s easy to let old apps and data build up on your devices, but you should consider removing anything you don’t use. Old photos and files can be moved to cloud storage automatically. Doing this every once in a while will help keep your phone clutter-free and running as efficiently as possible.
- Treat your battery well. Batteries are sensitive to temperature changes, so make sure to keep your device out of direct sunlight and away from anything else that produces extreme temperatures, like a space heater, oven, or in a hot car. If your battery doesn’t seem to be holding a charge like it used to, it may be time to have it replaced.
Does Your Device Need Maintenance or Repairs? Contact Tech Shack!
If you have a phone, tablet, computer, or another device that isn’t working as it should, contact the pros at Tech Shack! We offer complete care for your device, including cleaning, maintenance, and repairs. We can even help you get your video game console up and running in time for summer vacation. Whether you have a dusty fan that’s not turning well or you need a thermal paste replacement for your crypto rig, Tech Shack is here to help. And to make your repairs even more convenient, we now offer monthly service calls at a flat rate—no need to visit the shop! Call us today at (864) 722-5155 or schedule an appointment online.