Car Maintenance: 9 Ways To Make Your Car Last Longer

Car maintenance is important if you want your car to last longer. The basics are to get an oil change every 5000 miles or every six months, whichever comes first.

You should also check your tire pressure and tread depth regularly. In addition, you should have your car serviced according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule.

Car Maintenance Tips

1. Check and change your oil regularly

Regular oil changes are one of the most crucial things you can do to prolong the life of your automobile. Oil degrades over time and loses its ability to lubricate and safeguard your engine.

Depending on your vehicle, you should replace your oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. You might need to change it more regularly if you drive a lot or constantly encounter stop-and-go traffic. For precise advice, see the owner’s handbook of your automobile.

Either do it yourself or have a mechanic do it. Make careful to properly dispose of the spent oil if you decide to do it yourself. Used motor oil may be recycled in many vehicle repairs and component outlets.

2. Check your tires and keep them inflated

Maintaining proper tire pressure is one of the easiest and most efficient methods to reduce your gas costs. The U.S. Department of Energy claims that having properly inflated tires may increase gas mileage by more than 3%.

In addition to wasting fuel, under-inflated tires also deteriorate more quickly. Just 2 PSI below the advised tire pressure might result in a 1% reduction in fuel efficiency.

To determine the recommended tire pressure, see your owner’s handbook or tire placard, and check your tires at least once each month. You may use the air pumps at many petrol stations for nothing or for a modest cost.

3. Get regular tune-ups

You should get a tune-up at least once a year or every 12,000 miles (whichever comes first). This includes:

• Checking and changing your oil
• Replacing your air filter
• Inspecting your brakes
• Rotating your tires
• Checking your battery

Driving habits

The longevity of your automobile is significantly influenced by how you drive. A few driving practices should be avoided if you want to get the most out of your car. We’ll discuss some of the most prevalent driving practices that can reduce the life of your vehicle.

4. Avoid hard starts and stops

Avoiding abrupt starts and stops is one of the finest things you can do to increase your fuel economy. If possible, avoid coming to a complete stop by coasting up to red lights and stop signs.

Additionally, don’t immediately slam on the brakes when you need to stop completely. Instead, slow down gradually to reduce how hard you have to brake when you stop.

5. Drive smoothly

Driving smoothly is one of the finest methods to increase the lifespan of your vehicle. This calls for progressively accelerating and decelerating and avoiding abrupt pauses and starts.

The engine and other automobile parts are under undue stress when you brake forcefully or accelerate too rapidly, which can cause early deterioration. Avoid aggressive driving and maintain a steady, leisurely pace if you want to get the most out of your vehicle.

6. Don’t overload your car

One of the quickest ways to stress and damage your car is to overload it with too much weight. Carrying around extra weight puts more strain on your engine, transmission, brakes, tires, and suspension. This can lead to accelerated wear-and-tear and reduced fuel efficiency.

So, if you’re not using that roof rack or trailer hitch, take them off. You’ll save money on gas and extend the life of your car.

Environment

It’s essential to think about the environment when you’re driving and how you can reduce your impact. Here are some tips on how to make your car last longer and save money.

7. Park in a garage or covered area

Keeping your automobile out of the weather as much as you can is one of the finest things you can do to increase its lifespan. Put your automobile in the garage if you have one. If you don’t have a garage, look for a location that will offer some protection from the sun, wind, and rain, such as behind a tree or another building.

This will not only help maintain the paint and interior of your car in better shape, but it will also help safeguard essential parts like the engine and battery from extremes in temperature and moisture.

8. Don’t expose your car to extreme temperatures

Extreme temperatures can cause various harm, and cars are only intended to run within a specific temperature range. For instance, in the winter, cold conditions might result in the battery losing power and fluids freezing or thickening. On the other side, in the summer, extreme heat can raise tire pressure and harm the lubricants in your engine.

As a result, you should avoid parking your automobile outside in the sun or in the extreme cold for a lengthy period of time. If you must leave it in harsh weather, attempt to cover it or leave it in a shaded area.

9. Keep your car clean

One of the best ways to protect your car’s paint job is to keep it clean. That means washing it regularly- at least once a month- and Waxing it at least once a year. If you live in an area with a lot of road salt or other harsh chemicals, you may want to wash your car more often.

You should also avoid parking your car in direct sunlight whenever possible. The sun’s UV rays can fade the paint and damage the interior. If you must park in the sun, use a sunshade to protect your car.

In addition to washing and waxing, you should also have your car detailed on a regular basis. This will remove any dirt or grime that has built up on the surface and any stains that may have penetrated the paint. A good detailer will also be able to spot any areas that need special attention, such as rust spots or scratches.