Want your car to last? Here are five things you can do, according to experts
We take a look at a few good habits you can keep that may help to prolong your automobile’s lifespan.
1. Make sure your car gets regular maintenance
It’s crucial that you stick to a consistent maintenance schedule. For example, the automobile experts Carfax recommend an oil change every 5,000 miles (for internal-combustion engines), tire rotation and air-filter changes every 10,000 miles, and a wholesale inspection every 36,000 miles.
“Regular car maintenance is like taking care of your health – it keeps your ride in tip-top shape and helps prevent costly repairs down the road,” says the AAA motor club. “Plus, when it’s time to say goodbye to your vehicle, detailed service records can actually increase its value!”
2. Watch out for warning signs
There are several possible ways your car might start telling you that it’s not in optimum shape. According to Sullivan Auto Clinic, a U.S. specialist in automobile maintenance and repair, such warning signs include: frequent stalling, steering difficulties, unusual engine noises and fluid leaks.
Check out Sullivan Auto Clinic’s full list. “Taking action early can help you avoid more severe damage,” the firm says.
3. Pay particular attention to fluids
Both electric and internal-combustion vehicles depend on a range of fluids to operate properly. They include engine oil (internal-combustion only), transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid and power steering fluid.
“Your car is a symphony of mechanical pieces that move under extreme temperatures and brute force,” says the expert automobile writer Brian Medford.
“Car fluids provide the necessary lubrication for proper heat dispersion so that those moving pieces operate swiftly without frictional damage. Oils, water, coolants and fuel are all types of fluids to check in a car that keep its components running at high performance.”
4. Shield you car from the elements
There are several ways that you can prevent your car from damage caused by the elements. As noted by the Car Pro, an American firm that specializes in automobile care, these include: parking in the shade in extreme heat; applying protective wax to shield your car’s coat of paint against rain; and investing in special wiper fluid that takes better care of your windshield in cold conditions.
“No matter the time of year, weather can pose some major threats to your car. Whether it’s a torrential downpour or the blistering heat, each type of weather condition can lead to a plethora of issues for your ride,” Car Pro says. Take a look at the company’s recommendations in full.
5. Treat your car right as you drive
When you’re at the wheel, the amount of stress you inflict on your car can also have a major impact on the vehicle’s lifespan. WMST, a U.S. driver education center, recommends you avoid placing your car under strain with sudden acceleration and braking.
WMST also warns that your automobile’s brake pads if you are guilty of “riding the brakes”: “Constantly resting your foot on the brake pedal or braking too often can cause excessive heat buildup in the braking system,” the firm says. Check out WMST’s complete list of driving habits to avoid.
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