Introduction
If you want your car to last, you have to take care of it. It’s not enough to just drive the vehicle and let mechanics handle all other aspects of its maintenance. That said, there are simple steps you can take that will extend the life of your car—and save you money in the long run.
Read Your Vehicle Manual
The first step to extending the life of your car is learning about it. The vehicle manual is a great place to start, as it will provide you with detailed instructions on how to perform regular maintenance tasks. By understanding what kind of maintenance your car needs and how to perform it yourself (or with assistance), you can save money by not having to take your vehicle into the shop as often.
The next time you pick up a new manual from Amazon or some other retailer, take some time before getting started so that you have an idea of what makes up your particular model: Is there anything unusual about this particular model? What kinds of fluids do I need? How do I check them? What kind of problems should I look out for? This way when something goes wrong with my car and I’m trying desperately not-so-successfully not to panic while waiting at traffic lights in rush hour traffic during summer heat waves with no AC running full blast due to my lackadaisical approach towards reading manuals which would’ve helped me avoid all these terrible scenarios.
I did so
Check Your Tires Regularly
One of the easiest ways to extend the life of your car is to check your tires regularly. You should be checking them for uneven wear and pressure, as well as signs of damage or wear. If you see any of these things, it’s time to replace the tire before it can cause an accident or other problem. Tires should also be rotated every 5,000 miles so that all four tires wear evenly over time (and not just one). This helps keep gas mileage up and prevents unnecessary wear on specific areas on each tire which could lead to blowouts if ignored long enough!
Change Your Oil Regularly
- Change your oil regularly. This is one of the most important things you can do to extend the life of your car, and it’s easy to do yourself. The average lifespan of an automobile engine is between 150,000 and 200,000 miles. However, if you keep up with regular maintenance checks and services–including changing the oil every 3-5 thousand miles (4 times per year or so)–your car could last well beyond that number.*
- Use high-quality motor oils with excellent ratings from the American Petroleum Institute (API) or European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA). These oils are designed specifically for modern engines and will help protect them from wear caused by friction during operation.*
- Check your vehicle owner’s manual; there are often recommended intervals for changing engine fluids such as transmission fluid or power steering fluid.*
Avoid Uneven Wear on Tires
- Avoid driving over potholes and gravel.
- Avoid driving on bumpy roads, as they can cause uneven wear on your tires.
- Do not drive in the rain or snow, as both of these conditions can cause water to get stuck in between the treads of your tires and cause them to wear out quicker than usual
Check the Brake Fluid Once a Month
- Check the brake fluid once a month.
- If you find low brake fluid, top it off with fresh fluid and check again in a few days.
Check the Tire Pressure of All Tires Once a Month
Tire pressure is one of the most important things to check when you’re looking at the health of your vehicle. If a tire is under-inflated, it will wear out more quickly and be more prone to blowouts. And who wants that?
To check tire pressure, look for a sticker on either side of your car’s doorjamb or in the driver’s side door pocket (if there is one). This sticker will tell you what kind of tires are installed on your vehicle and how much air should be put in them when they’re cold–meaning before driving off from home or work. You can also use an inexpensive tire gauge from any auto parts store or gas station; just follow these steps:
- Insert the end into the valve stem hole until it clicks firmly into place; then slowly release air until the reading matches the number on a sticker
Beware of Excessive Heat and Cold
The sun and the cold can be hard on your car. If you leave it in the hot sun for too long, the interior will get hot. This can cause damage to the seats, plastic trim pieces, headliners, and other parts of the interior. If you leave your car parked in cold weather overnight without turning on its engine to run once in a while, condensation may form inside its fuel lines and rust them out over time.
The same goes for rain or snow–they’ll cause rusting inside as well!
Always have your car checked by an expert
One of the best ways to extend the life of your car is by having it checked by an expert like this rocky auto. By doing so, you can be sure that there are no major problems with the vehicle and that it’s safe to drive. Having someone else look over your car regularly will also save you money in the long run because they’ll be able to spot issues before they become serious problems that require expensive repairs or even replacement parts.
If nothing else, regular inspections ensure that everything is working properly and keep drivers safe on the road (and off).
Conclusion
We hope that this article has inspired you to take better care of your car. Taking care of your vehicle and keeping up with regular maintenance can help you avoid costly repairs, keep your car running smoothly for years to come, and save money in the long run!
