Want your car to last longer? Of course you do! Cars are an expensive investment, and you want to get as much value for your money as you can. You may also want your car to last so that you can pass it along to someone else – like a child who will be driving in just a few years. Either way, there are several steps you can take to ensure that your car lasts as long as possible. The following are 7 ways to make your car last longer.
Do your research before you buy. For maximum longevity, you need to pick a car with a reputation for durability and reliability. This usually means family cars or other vehicles that are designed for long life and heavy working conditions. High performance sports cars, for example, are designed for performance – not longevity. The Ford Crown Victoria, on the other hand, is designed to hold up under the constant wear and tear of law enforcement careers.
Of course, you may not have much evidence to consider if you’re looking at a new model. New model cars have only the manufacturer’s reputation to recommend them as they haven’t yet developed track records of their own. If you aren’t certain about a car’s reputation, try looking at its resale value. Generally, cars that are durable maintain their value longer.
Don’t drive the car aggressively. This means no “jack rabbit” starts and no screeching to a stop. This kind of driving puts a lot of wear and tear on your engine and your brakes, both of which can lead to costly repairs. Instead, drive the car smoothly and you won’t just expose the car to less wear and tear, you’ll also improve your gas mileage as well.
Speaking of gas mileage, it’s also important to buy the right gas for your car. Buying good quality gas with the proper amount of detergents and the proper octane ratings is easier on your engine, reducing engine wear and breakdown. Check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s octane ratings and stick with them – if your car needs a mid-grade gasoline, don’t fill it up with the lowest rated gasoline.
Change your air filter regularly. The air filter is the barrier between the air outside your car (think pollution) and the air inside your engine. You want that filter fresh and clean and able to trap the tiny dust particles that can build up in your engine and cause unnecessary friction, wear and tear.
Be cautious when it comes to after-market additions to your car, such as equipment designed to change the ratio of gas to air in your car’s fuel mixture. Most of these additions invalidate your warranty and don’t provide that much utility – if they work at all. Your car manufacturer has already developed what it considers an optimal engine system, and messing with it can cause headaches in terms of repair bills.
Change your oil. Frequently. Regularly. This is the most important thing you can do to make your car last longer. In addition, the filter should be changed every time the oil is changed. To get the most life from your car, use an aggressive schedule, changing the oil every 1500 to 2000 miles. At the very least, get your oil changed every 3,000 miles.
Change your oil. Gotcha there, didn’t we? Well, the importance of this tip can’t be overstated. Changing your oil is crucial if you want your car to last for the long haul.
