Maintenance Tips to Make Your Car Last Longer

Keeping your car in good condition is vital if you want it to last as long as possible. By following a few simple maintenance tips, you can help prolong the life of your vehicle in big ways. Regular maintenance is one of the most important things you can do to take care of your car. So, whether you’re a new car owner or have been driving for decades, make sure to read on and put these tips into practice.

1. Consider Extended Auto Insurance Coverage

One of the smartest things you can do to protect your car is to get extended auto insurance coverage. Comprehensive and collision coverage can help pay for the repairs if something happens to your vehicle. It’s a minor investment that can save you a lot of money in the long run. This is especially true for older vehicles. The difference between premiums for collision versus no collision coverage is just a few dollars a month.

You can make your search easier by looking for extended car insurance providers online. There, you can look up a company like Endurance and then read an Endurance warranty review to get an idea of what to expect.

2. Regularly Inspect Tires

The tires are one of the most critical parts of your car, so it’s essential to regularly inspect them for signs of wear and tear. Bald or worn-out tires can be dangerous, so make sure to replace them as soon as you notice any issues. Tires can even blow out just from being too old. Every tire has a date stamp on it. Never run tires that are more than 8 years old. You can also have your tires rotated and balanced regularly to help extend their life. Lastly, you must also ensure your tires have the proper tire pressure. This is crucial as properly-inflated tires can help improve your gas mileage.

3. Keep Fluids at Optimal Levels

Another important way to keep your car in good condition is to make sure all fluids are at optimal levels. This is absolutely key and includes everything from the engine oil to the brake fluid. You can find the recommended levels for each fluid in your car’s owner’s manual. If you’re not sure how to check the fluid levels or change them, take your vehicle to a mechanic and have them do it for you.

4. Religiously Stick to the Maintenance Schedule

One of the best ways to keep your car in excellent condition is to religiously stick to the maintenance schedule. This means taking your vehicle in for regular tune-ups and oil changes. Doing this can help prevent minor problems from becoming worse. Plus, it’s much cheaper to take care of issues when they’re more manageable than wait until the problem becomes a major one.

5. Invest in Car Protection

Another way to help prolong the life of your car is to invest in car protection products. This can include anything from a car cover to rust-proofing spray. By protecting your car from the elements, you can help prevent it from corroding and rusting. Krown and Rust Check are two names that I know work well. I live in the rust belt and my 32 year-old Ford pickup truck is still completely rust-free.

6. Clear Your Car Inside and Out

A subtle yet effective way to keep your car in good condition is to keep it clean both inside and out. This means vacuuming the seats and carpets, cleaning the windows, and wiping down the dashboard and console. Not only will this make your car look nicer, but it will also help prevent bacteria and dirt from building up over time.

In addition, many components in your car’s undercarriage are not resistant to rust. Therefore, it is vital to clean these areas regularly as well. Finally, do not let bird droppings sit on your car for an extended period as this can damage the paint.

7. Don’t Carry Unnecessary Loads

Another way to help take care of your car is to not carry unnecessary loads. This means not filling up the trunk or backseat with heavy items. Not only will this put extra strain on your car, but it can also lead to decreased gas mileage.

8. Drive Carefully

Obviously, driving well will keep your car from getting into an accident. However, there are other benefits to driving meticulously. For starters, it will help your car last longer without needing any repairs. Additionally, it will also help improve your gas mileage. Lastly, driving responsibly can also help keep your vehicle in good condition overall. So, be sure to move at a reasonable speed, use your signals, and avoid sudden braking and acceleration.

9. Clean Your Dash Gauges

The clear plastic on your gauges may seem unimportant. However, imagine if you can’t properly see how fast you’re going because the lenses are dusty or grimy. Not only is this dangerous, but it can also lead to inaccurate readings. So, be sure to clean your dash gauges regularly using a glass cleaner and soft cloth.

10. Use a Windshield Sunshade

If you’re like most people, you sometimes have no choice but to leave your car parked in the sun for extended periods. This can be bad for your car’s interior as the sun can cause the seats and dashboard to fade and crack. One way to help protect your car is to use a sunshade when you’re not driving it. This will help keep the interior cool and protected from the sun’s harmful rays.

The Takeaway

Taking care of your car is important if you want it to last long. By following these tips, you can help keep your vehicle in good condition and prevent costly repairs down the road.