A car is an investment. It requires a financial commitment, but its monetary returns are also invaluable. Being quite an important part of your daily life, it only makes sense that you take proper care of it.
If you don’t know where to start about doing so, take a look at the following simple steps for increasing your car’s life:
1. Take the Vehicle in for Scheduled Checkups
Don’t wait until your car breaks down before taking it into a mechanic. When you get your vehicle, take a look at the manual that came with it.
The manufacturer will have suggestions on when the best time is to have your car taken in for checkups. Make sure that to follow these suggestions in order to increase your car’s life.
Typically, the manual would suggest that you check or replace certain vehicle parts at 30,000, 60,000, and 90,000 miles.
2. Change and Check Oil Regularly
To make your car live longer, check and change its oil and oil filter regularly. This is because, as you drive, bits of dirt, metal, and carbon get mixed in with the oil.
This debris can lead to wear on the engine. On average, you will need to change oil between 3,000 to 5,000 of mileage. If your car runs fully on synthetic oil, however, you can change oil at 5,000 to 10,000 miles.
3. Check and Maintain the Car’s Fluid Levels
Apart from the oil needing regular change, your vehicle’s fluids will need strict monitoring and changing as well. Every time you refuel, make sure to look into the transmission, power steering, and brake fluids.
Take note of their colours and know when to have any or all flushed so your car can run efficiently for much longer.
4. Make Sure Tires Are Inflated and Rotated Regularly
Another simple thing you can do to increase your vehicle’s life is to maintain the tires’ peak performance. Check the tire pressure regularly, making sure they are inflated sufficiently.
You will need to rotate the tires, too, so their wear and tear are distributed equally. This means swapping fronts tires to the back or one side to the other. And while you’re checking the tires, monitor other integral parts, such as the fender flares, of your vehicle as well.
5. Keep the Car Clean
Washing your car is not for aesthetic purposes only. When a car is kept clean, it increases its life as well. Accumulated dirt will not do your car any favours.
Eventually, it will lead to degraded surfaces, both interior and exterior. Additionally, a well-maintained car will be easier to sell when it’s time for a change.
6. Avoid Frequent or Short Drives
While it’s easy to think that having a car means not having to walk or struggle with the public commute, taking short and frequent drives can actually affect its lifespan negatively.
The engine and gas mileage are affected by every cold start. If a cold engine is started, the exhaust will experience condensation. You will need to drive long enough for this condensation to evaporate. On short drives, this does not happen, and the muffler will eventually suffer from rust.
If the distance needed to travel is short, take a walk instead. Consider combining errands, too, in order to avoid frequent and short drives.
7. Protect the Vehicle from the Elements
When not in use, make sure your car is in a covered garage. If you’re out, find a parking spot that has nice shade. This way, you will be protecting the car from the sun or rain.
It takes only these seven simple steps to make your car live longer. Always keep them in mind and you will be driving for much longer and much safer too.
Owning a car shouldn’t be complicated. It should be as easy and enjoyable as possible. So we’ve got a Volvo Car Auto Body Repair Shop that includes everything you need.
