The average age for a vehicle on American roads is approximately 11.5 years old - the oldest average in U.S. history. While this number is up from years past, there are still a handful of things you can do to increase the lifespan of your car. Whether you’re driving a new car or used car, these five tips can help you make sure your car lasts as long as possible.
Stick to Your Regular Maintenance Schedule
It’s incredibly important to follow the maintenance schedule outlined in your car’s manual. This manual also details exactly when you should do simple things such as change the oil and filter, when you should rotate the tires, and how often you should replace brake pads. This also gives you a timeline for when you need to take care of important matters, such as how frequently you need to replace the timing belt and when you should flush the transmission fluid. Neglecting maintenance necessities will undoubtedly lead to premature engine failure.
Pay Attention To Tire Pressure
Neglecting your tires can ultimately cause a domino effect of damage and inefficiency for your car. Be sure to check your owner’s manual or the side of your tires for the exact amount of air you should be putting into your tires. Having poor tire pressure is bad for your car, the tires and your car’s fuel efficiency. It also poses a serious safety issue for you and other drivers on the road. Consider checking the tire pressure of your car at least once a week, or every time you stop for gas.
Use Synthetic Oil
Instead of using conventional fossil fuel motor oils, consider switching over to synthetic oil the next time you opt for an oil change. Despite the debate over which type of oil is greener, synthetic oil lasts undoubtedly longer and only needs to be changed about once every six months
(depending on the make of your car). Though the superior formula of synthetic oil costs twice as much as conventional oil, it resists breaking down in extreme temperatures and is gentler on your entire engine.
Buy Better Parts
Though buying cheap replacement parts or maintenance tools for your car might save you a couple bucks right now, it could ultimately cost you in the long run. Cheap oil, transmission fluid, belts, hosts, etc., are of lesser quality and could lead to extensive damage, expensive repairs, void your warranty, or diminish the longevity of your car.
Keep Your Car Covered
Keep your car covered when not in use. Carports, car covers, and garages help to protect the exterior from outside elements such as harsh sunshine, wind, rain, hail and snow. Parking in these safe places also prevent things like bird droppings and tree sap from damaging the paint. Having a car that looks good will encourage you to take better care of it.
Taking good care of your car helps to ensure a longer lifespan and will also prevent you from spending money on repairing serious damages or even having to buy a new car. By following these five tips from Insurance Center Associates you can make sure your car lasts as long as possible.