Want your car to last much longer than 100,000 miles? Check out these top tips.
You spend a lot of money on your car so naturally, you want it to last as long as possible. You can save loads of money in the long run by taking good care of your car on a month-to-month basis.
Today, it’s not unusual to see cars with much more than 100,000 miles and still running like a dream. So how do you get maximum life out of your car? Check out the car care tips below.
Get regular service
Just like you need regular checkups, your car needs them too. Total car care means regular maintenance which keeps your car in good condition and will help identify any potential problems early. Knowing what the issue is before it has time to cause serious issues is the key. For example, if you delay replacing your brakes, it can cause the rotor to warp or break, which is a much costlier repair. If the mechanic finds an issue, make sure to fix it right away to avoid it from becoming a larger problem.
Build A Repair Fund
All cars require maintenance, which costs money. It never feels good when your mechanic hands you an $800 invoice, but it is important to keep the big picture in mind, as your average monthly cost in the long run when you own and maintain your car is likely lower than buying a new one. Putting $100 or $200 per month towards a dedicated account you pay for repairs out of can help put your repair costs in perspective.
Pay attention to your sensors
The minute your car signals that something is wrong by turning on the check engine light, get your car serviced. While the check engine light can seem scary, it may signify a small problem that can be fixed easily. If you let it sit, though, that small problem could cause serious issues with the engine, creating more expensive problems and/or wearing down the car faster.
Change the oil filter as often as needed
Your car’s oil filter keeps the junk out of the oil. A clogged oil filter lets the junk into the oil which then causes harm to the engine. This also affects your car’s fuel economy, both of which cost you money, but damaging the engine could render your car useless prematurely.
Change the spark plugs
The spark plugs are an integral part of starting your car. Without proper replacement they can cause pre-ignition issues, poor fuel economy, misfired engines, and difficulties with accelerating. Make replacing the spark plugs a regular part of your car care routine.
Wash your car
Believe it or not, washing your car can make your car last longer. Washing gets the harmful road salt and debris that can eat away at the metal parts on your car off it. Letting debris settle on your car puts it at risk of rusting and even wearing holes in certain parts of your car, causing even more issues.
Don’t use cheap oil
As much as you want to save money, do it elsewhere, not on your car’s oil. Use the recommended type of oil and change the oil as frequently as recommended. Old oil can shorten a car’s life, causing many issues with the engine that you could prevent by getting a simple oil change.
Keep it Light
The heavier your car’s load, the more stress it puts on the car’s suspension and even the engine. Lighten it up and give your car a breather.