Keeping your car in peak condition and running longer is convenient and ensures that you get the most value out of your vehicle. Below, we offer some simple tips that every driver can use to help extend the life of their cars.
Keep It Clean
The first and most obvious way to preserve your car and extend its lifespan is to keep it as clean as possible. The best way to ensure that something lasts is to take care of it, and that’s just as true for cars as well.
Car detailing has many benefits, but the chief among them is that detailing will improve your car’s long-term performance. The cleaner your car is, the less dirt and dust can invade its components. Intrusive dirt can lead to rust and corrosion, quickly shortening your vehicle’s lifespan and utility.
Pro Tip: Drivers should generally detail their cars two to three times a year, though they can detail them more frequently if they don’t store the car in a garage.
Keep Up With the Maintenance Schedule
Another method for extending the life of your car that many drivers ignore or don’t take seriously is keeping up with the maintenance schedule. You should change your oil every 3,000 miles or six months, whichever comes first. Additionally, you should invest in high-quality oil instead of the cheapest option.
But don’t forget other essential services and maintenance services every car needs, such as changing the air filter, rotating the tires, and topping off the coolant. These small maintenance tasks add up to a well-functioning, long-running vehicle that operates at peak capacity.
Listen to Your Car
An important aspect of car ownership that too many drivers ignore is the importance of listening to their vehicles. If a warning light activates on your car’s dashboard, you should address the issue immediately and not drive with the warning light activated. But car owners should also keep their eyes perked for sounds from their tires, engine, and brakes.
Do the tires sound louder than normal, or do the brakes scream when you apply them? Are there strange noises coming from the engine, such as knocks or screeches? These noises are signs of distress or problems with the car and are worth addressing immediately.
Drive Defensively
The lifespan of a vehicle is also dependent on how it’s driven. If you’re a fast or reckless driver—accelerating quickly, braking hard, and taking corners too fast—this type of driving will degrade your car faster.
Defensive drivers accelerate steadily, brake earlier, and don’t push their engine’s RPMs. This driving style earns drivers a car that runs smoother and maintains its quality longer. Plus, defensive driving will help you avoid accidents—a sure way to shorten your vehicle’s lifespan!
