If you’re like most people, you rely on your car to get you where you need to go every day.
Whether you’re commuting to work or running errands, your car is an important part of your life. That’s why it’s important to do everything you can to extend the life of your vehicle.
The good news is that with a few simple maintenance tips, you can keep your car running smoothly for years to come.
Not only will this provide you with many more comfortable road trips, but it will also provide you with more options when you finally decide to sell and upgrade your ride. Plus you will be able to sell a vehicle in great working condition for a higher price too.
Step 1 – Change Your Oil Regularly
One of the best ways to extend the life of your car is to get regular oil changes.
Over time, engine oil breaks down and becomes less effective at lubricating your engine parts. This can lead to increased wear and tear, which can ultimately cause your engine to fail prematurely.
To avoid this, it’s recommended that you get an oil change every 5,000 miles or so.
Pro Tip – Use high-quality engine oil that meets the specifications of your vehicle. Using oil that is the wrong specification can be damaging to your vehicle.
You should also go the extra mile by choosing high-quality oil. Yes, it will cost a bit extra but your engine will love you for it. Doing so can extend the life of your engine and also reduce fuel usage due to increased efficiency.
Step 2 – Check Your Tire Pressure Monthly
Under-inflated tires not only make it harder for your car to move, but they also decrease fuel efficiency whilst also increasing wear and tear on your tires.
To avoid these problems, make sure to check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended level.
As you will find, regular driving can cause your tires to deflate slightly. On a daily basis, this is not noticeable and will not affect anything, however, over months this can cause an issue.
Pro Tip – Ask your local tire dealer to fill your tires with Nitrogen instead of standard air.
Nitrogen-filled tires deflate at a much lower rate than standard air. So much so that you may never have to inflate them yourself. Just get them filled and check them yearly with your standard service.
Step 3 – Avoid Harsh Driving Conditions
Whenever possible, try to avoid driving in harsh conditions. This can include heavy traffic, unsealed or damaged roads with lots of potholes, or extreme weather including heat or cold.
Not only is this tough on your car, but it’s also tough on you!
If you can’t avoid driving in harsh conditions, be sure to take extra care of your car by monitoring things like tire damage, pressure, and fluid levels more closely after completing such drives.
Pro Tip – Plan your travel ahead of time, look at the roads you are taking and try to avoid any unsealed roads and high traffic times of the day. While this is not always possible sometimes a little planning can make a big difference in your travel time and stress.
Step 4 – Keep Your Car Clean
It might seem like a no-brainer, but keeping your car clean both inside and out can help extend its life significantly.
A clean car exterior is less likely to experience rusting or other forms of external damage, and a clean interior will prevent premature wear and tear on upholstery and floors.
Not to mention riding in a clean car with be more comfortable for you and your passengers. If you ensure you perform weekly or fortnightly car cleaning duties, your car will never be too dirty.
Pro Tip – Try to park your vehicle in a garage or undercover to protect it from excessive dirt build-up when not in use. Also, invest in high-quality cleaning products as these tend to provide a better level of protection on your car’s interior and exterior.
Step 5 – Have Your Car Serviced Regularly
In addition to regular oil changes, it’s important to have your car serviced by a professional mechanic on a yearly basis.
This helps ensure that all the components of your car are in good working condition and identifies any potential problems before they cause serious damage.
Pro Tip – Follow, or at least review, your vehicle’s recommended service schedule as found in your car’s service manual.
This will give you guidelines on when specific parts of your vehicle should be serviced or replaced to make sure there is no knock-on effect of a faulty part damaging other important components of your vehicle.
Recap
By following these simple tips, you can keep your old car running like new for years to come.
Regular maintenance is key to preserving the longevity of any vehicle, so make sure to stay on top of things like oil changes, tire pressure, and yearly service appointments.
Also, don’t neglect the power of good cleaning both inside and out. With a little TLC, your car will be happy and so will you.
