Your car has served you well for the past decade. By automotive standards, your car is considered old. It’s probably time to trade her in, but the expense is too high right now. How can you squeeze out a few extra miles from the old gal? You can extend the life of your car by taking some auto maintenance and preventative steps:
Auto Maintenance Tips For Older Cars
1. Drive your old car regularly, but sensibly
You may have the first instinct to park your car in the garage. After all, if you don’t use it, it won’t break down. You should still drive your vehicle regularly to keep fluids warm, and parts working properly. If you leave your car parked, the hoses or gaskets can crack, leak, or run dry.
But be sensible about where you drive and how long. Long road trips or rides in rocky terrain may cause your vehicle to wear out faster than it should. Your car can be put under stress if you accelerate too quickly, towed other vehicles, or store heavy items in the trunk.
2. You should change your car’s oil regularly
It is easy to overlook a routine oil-change, but the consequences could be more expensive than the oil change. The parts of your motor can overheat without fresh oil. This can lead to the engine failing. You should change the oil between 1,000 and 3,000 miles depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations, how old the vehicle is, and how often you use it. Consult your owner’s manual for a good starting point. Then, consult your auto mechanic. Check your oil level often. Every time you fill up is a good guideline. Use quality oil. Use synthetic oil if your car needs it.
3. Keep Coolant flowing
In the winter and summer, coolant prevents your car from heating up. You don’t have to change your coolant every two months, unlike oil. It is possible to go for years without changing or flushing your coolant. When was the last time that you changed your coolant? It’s time to do a check on that older vehicle. Your antifreeze’s chemical composition changes as it ages. When this happens, engine parts like seals and gaskets can be damaged. You can check your owner’s guide to find out how often the manufacturer recommends changing the coolant.
4. Regularly inspect your car
You might not even know that your car has a frayed cable or a leaky pipe. It’s vital to have your car inspected and tuned up regularly. Most states do not require safety inspections. Even if it’s not required in your state, you should have your vehicle inspected at least once per year. While the cost of car repairs might make you hesitate, repairing small problems can help you save money.
5. Tires are a great investment for your old car
Don’t replace a blown tire with a cheap replacement. It’s worth investing in good tires. Cheap tires are likely to wear out quickly and unevenly. Cheap tires can cause your suspension to be out of alignment. If your vehicle is all-wheel-drive, a single punctured tire will likely require you to replace all four.
6. Bring Your Old Car to an Experienced Mechanic
You would not want your car to be affected by human error. Find an auto shop in Knoxville TN you can trust before having your car serviced or inspected. Independent mechanics often charge less than dealerships but do not settle for inferior quality. Your old car and you deserve the best service!
Need an auto mechanic to help you? Call Miller Brothers Transmission Auto Repair and Body Shop now.
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Miller Brothers Transmission Auto Repair and Body Shop
7123 Tazewell Pike
Corryton, TN 37721
(865) 689-5072
https://www.millerbrosautorepair.com/
Serving Knoxville, TN, and Knox County
Service areas include: All of Knox County, Corryton, Fountain City, Halls Crossroads, Powell, and Knoxville
