How To Prolong The Life Of Your Car

There are a lot of tips and tricks to help prolong the life of your car, there are so many – but we wanted consolidate the top 10 ways to prolong the lifespan of your car.

1. Don’t let your owner’s manual sit neglected in your glove compartment.

Instead, crack it open and spend a few minutes reviewing the recommended maintenance schedule for your particular vehicle.

2. Don’t overwork a cold car.

You don’t need to engage in a lengthy warm-up, but drive moderately until the engine is approaching operating temperature.

3. Check out your “check engine” light.

It’s quite common for drivers to ignore “check engine” lights when they turn on. People also can go into prolonged states of denial about strange noises and smells coming from their vehicles. Even if money is tight, it’s worth it to get these issues checked out by a reputable mechanic.

4. Protect your car from the damaging effects of the sun.

Whenever possible, park your vehicle in the shade or inside a garage. By making that extra effort, you’ll safeguard your car’s paint and interior.

5. Check your oil and coolant regularly.

By doing this, you’ll find out about leaks sooner rather than later, and you’ll sidestep the problems that can be caused by low levels. As referenced in Tip No. 1, regular, timely oil changes can help you avoid costly repairs.

6. Check your tire pressure regularly.

Proper tire inflation will help the tires handle better and last longer, and it will help you get the most out of a tank of gas. It’s also a good idea to have your tires checked for wear regularly.

7. Pay attention to the way you drive.

Aggressive driving, hard stopping, accelerating to stops and riding the brakes or clutch can make almost everything on your vehicle wear out early and also can hurt your fuel economy.

8. Reduce the number of short trips you make.

Cold starts cause the most wear on your engine. One way to avoid an unnecessary number of cold starts and save fuel at the same time is to run errands with efficiency. Try saving all your errands for one morning or afternoon and planning out your trip ahead of time. Consolidate drives to locations that are close to each other. If possible, park your car in one spot and walk when you get there.

9. Do you have a brand-new vehicle?

If so, it’s a good idea to follow its break-in recommendations with care. An oil change at 1,000 miles, whether recommended or not, is a good idea to make sure that any impurities left over from manufacturing don’t spend too much time in your engine.

10. Keep it clean.

You’ll help your vehicle retain its value and appeal if you clean it regularly, both inside and out. “Sap, road tar and salt can all make your paint deteriorate more rapidly,”