SIMPLE WAYS TO MAKE YOUR CAR LAST LONGER
Posted by Zane Winberg on
You paid a lot for that car. It’s your baby, your ride, your reliable source of transportation. It might be a critical part of your livelihood, or the location of your daily chats with your children. Your car matters, and there are a lot of reasons you don’t want it to die on you. Not only are repairs expensive and time-consuming, but they can also lead to a forced (and even more expensive) upgrade. If you love your car and want to keep it for a long time, there are several ways for you to keep it running healthy and feeling young.
6 Ways to Make Your Car Last Longer
1. Read Up. This is a very easy but boring step that many car owners skip, but it’s vital for understanding and protecting your car. Take some time to read and study your owner’s manual. Look up information online about recalls and other issues that people have had with your make and model. It helps you be aware and prepared.
2. Regular (or Early) Oil Changes. Taking your oil changes seriously will prevent buildup and lurking damage to your vehicle’s engine. Set reminders in your phone for a few weeks early, so you have plenty of time to schedule or drop in for an oil change.
3. Little Upgrades. Upgrading to a higher quality oil or frequently replacing the air filter may seem like empty costs, but they actually translate to the longevity of your car. If you want your car to last longer, it makes much more sense to pay a little more for high quality products now than expensive repairs or a replacement later.
4. Drive Less. It’s pretty self-explanatory, but miles can simply wear down your vehicle. Consider flying instead of cross-country driving, or renting a vehicle for vacations or hard trips. Avoid rush hour or stop-and-go traffic, and try to use your brake and gas pedal as little as possible as you drive.
5. Use Additives. Fuel and Oil additives are inexpensive ways to make your car perform better and to help keep your engine more clean. Fuel additives are added directly to the tank and help the engine combust all of the fuel you buy, without any wasted or sticking in your engine. Oil additives help the oil not only lubricate better, but also to clear off any deposits or gunk that old oil has left behind. Both are easy and both will keep your engine running better, longer.
6. Quick Fixes. No, we don’t mean duct tape. We mean taking your car in the very minute you notice something wrong. A faster repair early in the problem means an easier fix and less damage which will age your vehicle. It may be a pain, but if you’re committed to your car it’s essential to act quickly.
We hope that you live a long and happy life with that car you love so much. Use these tips and you can be enjoying it for years to come.