Posted Thursday, Apr 01, 2021
When you buy a new or even used car, maintenance and repairs are likely the last thing on your mind. While your new car may not need repairs for years to come, you shouldn’t sit back and wait for the inevitable. Instead, you should do everything you can to prolong the life of your vehicle. Performing your regular maintenance tasks keeps your vehicle running better for longer, and it means fewer and less expensive repair bills over the lifetime of the vehicle. Here are 10 tips to help you prolong the life of your vehicle.
Tend to minor repairs in a timely manner.
Whether you’ve noticed your vehicle is pulling to one side or there’s a slight hum when you turn on the air conditioning, these little issues can become big ones when left unattended. Take care of these problems as soon as you can to prevent further and more costly damage to your vehicle.
Keep up with oil changes.
Oil is essential to the proper operation of your engine. But when oil levels are low or the oil is old and dirty, it increases friction between the moving parts that will eventually cause wear and tear to the engine. Have your oil changed regularly according to the schedule recommended in your owner’s manual usually every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
Periodically check the rest of your fluids.
Oil isn’t the only fluid in your vehicle that optimizes its performance. Your vehicle also relies on transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and coolant. At times, these fluids will need topping off to keep your engine components operating as they should.
Change your air filter regularly.
Your air filter should be replaced about every 12,000 miles. Over time, dust accumulates on the filter, and this can negatively impact your gas mileage and even engine performance.
Regularly check your tire pressure.
Tires inflated within 5 PSI of the recommended pressure levels (found either on the side of each tire, on a label inside your car’s door jamb, or in your owner’s manual) greatly improve your gas mileage and the general handling of your vehicle. In addition, it also helps increase the longevity of your tires, meaning you won’t have to have them replaced as often.
Keep your vehicle clean.
Allowing dust and debris to collect on and inside your vehicle isn’t just unsightly, it can actually cause undue wear to your car’s surfaces. Regularly wash and wax your car to keep your paint in good condition, and use cleaning products designed for auto interiors to keep the inside tidy, preventing issues like cracked leather or scratched dashes in the future.
Park in the shade or under cover.
Sun is another oft-overlooked enemy to your vehicle’s surfaces, so park in shade or in covered lots and carports whenever possible. This will prevent issues like bleaching to your interior upholstery or damage to your exterior paint.
Don’t underestimate warming up.
Much of the harm to your mechanical elements stems from starting and stressing your engine and related components when cold. That’s why vehicle manufacturers recommend allowing a vehicle to warm up before putting it into gear and driving away.
Drive responsibly.
While we all have days where we are running behind and need to hurry, don’t make a habit of driving your vehicle like you’re in race. Sudden stops and starts, high speeds, and sharp corners don’t do your vehicle any favors and put undue stress on all of your car’s parts.
Take the time to read your owner’s manual.
All of these tips apply to nearly all vehicle makes and models, but every particular vehicle has unique needs. Take the time to look over your owner’s manual and follow any maintenance schedules or advice it recommends to ensure you’re doing all you can to increase your vehicle’s lifespan.