Tips on Prolonging the Life of Your Car

Getting a new car is an expensive investment that could take months of saving to finally afford. It only makes sense that you’d want it to last as long as possible to get maximum utility from your purchase. However, this will only happen if you take the proper measures to safeguard against common car issues. In addition, finding a local car mechanic can be a part of keeping your car in good condition. This blog post considers various tips and tricks to prolong the life expectancy of your vehicle.

Routine Maintenance is Key

Car maintenance is often put on the back burner by drivers, but it is crucial in preserving the longevity of your vehicle. You can avoid more significant issues down the line by getting oil changes and tune-ups according to your car schedule. This also includes being mindful of features like checking and changing your air filter for better gas mileage. The frequency of these maintenance tasks may depend on the car model, so be sure to check your owner’s manual.

Keep it Clean

This may seem like an obvious tip, but regularly cleaning your car can make a big difference. A clean car will look nicer, but it will also run better. This is because dirt and debris can clog up the engine, oil filters, air filters, and other parts of the car, making them work less efficiently. So, don’t forget to schedule a trip to the carwash every now and then! This is especially important when salt and other chemicals are used on the roads during the winter.

Avoid Short Trips

Every time you start up your car, the engine goes through a wear-and-tear process that can damage it over time. If you only use your car for short trips around town, this can do your car more harm than good. So, if you can, try to consolidate your errands into one longer trip instead of making multiple short ones. This will give your car’s engine a chance to warm up to full operating temperature, and run smoothly, as well as boost your fuel economy. It will also alow your vehicle to experience a full drive cycle. 

Be Mindful of Your Driving Habits

The way you drive can also affect how long your car lasts. For example, if you frequently accelerate too quickly or brake hard, this can put unnecessary strain on the engine and other parts of the vehicle. Similarly, driving on rough roads or neglecting to rotate your tires can also lead to damage over time. By being mindful of your driving habits and taking care of your car, you can help prolong its life expectancy.  And don’t be afraid to “open it up”, if you have a direct injection vehicle (you will know if you do) then give it some throttle and have some fun. It will help keep your intake ports from clogging up. And remember, always use premium fuel.

Don’t Overload It

Your car has a weight limit for a reason. Putting too much strain on the engine by overloading it with people or cargo can cause long-term damage. Unfortunately, this is a common issue since many people use their cars for storage. If you frequently put more in your car than it can handle, try to get rid of some excess weight. Also, check your car’s weight limit before you start packing it full of things. This will help reduce wear and tear on the engine over time.

Avoid Driving on Rugged Terrain

This is difficult to avoid if you live in an area with unpaved roads, but driving on rugged terrain can damage your car causing premature wear on your ball joints, tie rod ends and struts. The bumps and jolts can loosen parts, cause leaks, and generally make things wear out more quickly. This usually results in costly repairs that you could have avoided. So, if you can help it, try to stay on smooth surfaces as much as possible.

Top Off Your Fluids

Fluids are essential for keeping your car running smoothly, so it’s important to keep them topped off. This includes engine oil, coolant, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, and brake fluid. These fluids help lubricate the different parts of your car and keep them working properly and are an essential part of your car’s cooling system. So, if you’re low on any of these fluids, be sure to top them off as soon as possible.

Don’t Ignore Repairs

If you notice something isn’t working correctly in your car, it’s essential to get it fixed as soon as possible. Ignoring a small issue can often lead to bigger problems down the road. For example, ignoring a small oil leak or oil changes could eventually cause engine damage. So, if you notice anything out of the ordinary, be sure to take your car in for repairs. This will save you time and money in the long run.

Store Your Car In the Garage

Some car owners have a habit of leaving their vehicles outside, exposed to the elements. However, this can shorten the lifespan of your car. Extreme weather conditions can damage the paint, loosen parts, and cause rusting. Mercedes and BMW for example, have common issues with rain water leaking into the trunk where there are more than $3000 dollars worth of modules stored. Causing extensive electrical component failure. So, if you want to prolong the life of your dream car, it’s best to store it under the shade in the garage or covered parking spot.

Check Your Wheels and Tires

The condition of your wheels and tire pressure can greatly impact your car’s overall lifespan. Balding tires or damaged wheels can cause problems while driving, and they can also lead to accidents. So, it’s critical to check your tires and wheels’ condition regularly. If you notice any damage, remember to get it fixed as soon as possible.

Pay Attention to the Owner’s Manual

Your owner’s manual is full of valuable information that can help you prolong your car’s life. For example, it will tell you how often to change the oil and what kind of oil to use. It will also provide other maintenance tips that are specific to your car. So, read through the manual and follow the recommended maintenance schedule. This will help keep your car in good condition for years to come.

Your Local Car Repair Professionals!

At Steve’s Imports, we can handle any repair needs your car may have. With more than four decades of experience in the auto repair industry, you can rest assured that we are the right repair shop for the job! Give us a call anytime you need a reliable car mechanic in Portland. We work hard to guarantee customer satisfaction.

Here are the related services we provide:

• Comprehensive repairs
• Transmission repair
• Engine repair
• Certified automotive service technicians

Check out our website, Steve’s Imports, on Google!