In the past, car owners were lucky to have a vehicle that could be kept on the road for more than 100,000 miles. The situation today is very different. Modern manufacturing techniques, advanced car maintenance, fluids, and parts allow cars to last longer. It’s now easier to buy a quality car that will last. If you don’t pay attention to your car, however, it won’t last as long as it should. These seven tips will help you save money and keep your car on the road for longer:
Do regular maintenance
The best way to make your car last longer is to take better care of it. Car repair and maintenance is like a doctor’s visit for your car. You can avoid costly repairs and more down the road by identifying problems early and fixing them before they become major problems. Many people don’t pay enough attention to these maintenance tasks or neglect them altogether. To see the recommended maintenance schedule, consult your owner’s manual and follow it as closely as possible. This will make your car last longer and help you to perform better.
Do not ignore Gauges, Alerts, or Lights
Many car owners have experienced this: you turn on your car in the morning, and suddenly, a strange light appears in your instrument cluster. You’ll likely just continue driving as normal if it doesn’t happen, like most drivers. This could reduce the car’s life expectancy by years.
Each warning light or alert has a purpose. Some alerts simply remind you to buckle up or check your gas gauge. Some indicate major problems. You can find out the meaning of these lights and what their severity is by consulting many resources. You should consult your owner’s manual or a trusted mechanic.
It’s often possible to spot problems before they happen by simply watching the gauges on your vehicle. When you are driving, keep an eye on RPMs, engine temperature, and battery charge. These gauges could show you a sign that something is not right.
Keep an eye on fluids and filters
Engines are much more than just big metal blocks. They have many delicate moving parts that require fluids such as oil, transmission fluid, and coolant to work well. These delicate parts can be irreparably damaged if you don’t check the fluid levels and change the filters regularly.
You should still inspect and do an oil change regularly, even if you are following the recommended maintenance schedule. You should also check your filters and change them as you go along, particularly your engine air filter. It takes only a few minutes to check fluids and change filters. It can save you a lot of time and money if you do them often.
Rotate and inspect your tires
The wheels and tires of a car are the most overlooked parts of the vehicle. They are also the most important. Your tires are the only thing that holds your car to the ground. They are the foundation of your car’s handling and acceleration, as well as brakes, fuel mileage, and ride.
It’s important to inspect your tires once in a while. You should look out for signs such as low pressure, uneven wear patterns, or excessive wear. These signs could indicate that your tires need to be rotated, aligned, or replaced. Maintaining the right pressure on your tires will help you get more mileage and keep them in great shape.
Make sure you use the right parts, fluids, and gas
Materials and parts for cars are not all created equal. For example, there is a huge difference in the oil filters or fuel pumps you can buy on eBay from the one you get at the manufacturer’s shop. Oil purchased at a discount store won’t be the same as oil bought from an auto repair shop. Many drivers insist on buying the lowest-priced parts and materials possible for their cars, regardless of how much damage they may cause.
Don’t buy cheap parts or bargain-bin fluids. Instead, invest in higher-end products. A name-brand product is more durable than a cheaper one, so you will save money. High-end windshield wipers, for example, can last longer than cheaper versions. Synthetic oil can also last twice as long as bulk oil.
Pay attention to the type of gas your car uses. You shouldn’t use regular gas in a sports car that needs premium or plus gas. The engine will not run as well and may suffer wear or damage over time.
Change your driving habits
You can also make improvements to your driving habits to prolong your car’s life. Driving aggressively or in a hurry will cause your car to wear out faster than driving calmly. You should also drive less frequently, especially for short trips where your engine won’t run long.
Make sure your car is clean and protected
To make your car last longer, keep it clean from the inside out. You can take your car to the carwash every now and again, but also apply wax. It will make your car look even better. Vacuuming your car’s interior keeps it looking better. Vacuuming the interior helps remove odors and keep your car looking great.
You can also park your car in a garage, or under a carport, if you have the option. You will be able to reduce your exposure to the sun, rain, hail, and other inclement weather such as snow and hail. A garage enclosed is the best choice as it prevents your car’s temperature from rising too high or falling too low, protecting your fluids, mechanicals, and electronics from premature wear.
Want to make your car last? Visit Miller Brothers Transmission Auto Repair and Body Shop today to keep your car in top shape.
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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
