Simple Ways To Prolong The Life Of Your Car
New cars are expensive, and in the current market, so are second-hand ones, which makes looking after your current vehicle more critical than ever. Thankfully by following a routine maintenance schedule, your vehicle will thank you by continuing to run smoothly. So, let’s dive in and look at some of the best ways to prolong your car’s life.
Cooling Fluid
Several areas in a truck require fluid for optimum running. Coolant stops the engine from overheating and leaving you stranded waiting for a potentially seized motor to cool down. Check the engine coolant levels regularly and top up as necessary. Especially in older cars, it’s a good idea to check the rubber seals around the coolant system for signs of wear so you can replace them before they fail.
Wheels
Driving on tires that aren’t at the optimum pressure causes them to wear faster and puts undue stress on the steering. Use a handheld tire inflator to check the pressure and add air as and when needed. Both the wheels and steering mechanisms will last longer, and the car will handle safer.
Tires have a legal minimum tread depth, making it vital to check the tire tread condition regularly. At the same time, look for cuts or foreign objects in the rubber, as this damage can cause significant damage if not dealt with promptly. Uneven tread wear indicates issues with the steering components or wheel balance; if you notice this, have a mechanic look at it as soon as possible.
Cleaning
A trip to the carwash is more than a fun experience for the kids; it’s also vital for the health of your car. Grime and dirt can hide nicks and scraps in the exterior paintwork, leaving it open to water ingress that causes rust. Regularly washing lets you properly inspect the paint and touch up any scratches before they cause problems. It also removes environmentally collected salt from underneath and slows down its corrosive effects.
Internally keeping things tidy and clean makes for a pleasant environment to ride in and ensures the upholstery stays fresh and in good condition. Consider investing in a handheld vacuum cleaner to make removing debris easy. Moving parts, such as seat runners and seat belt clips, work best when kept unclogged. Cleaning putty is ideal for hard-to-reach nooks such as air vents, which can cause unpleasant odors to build up if ignored.
Oil Change
Neglecting to change the oil and oil filter will result in residue and sludge building up in the engine. If left long enough, this build-up will clog and seize the engine, which is a nightmare to fix. Checking oil levels regularly and replacing them approximately every 5000 miles will keep your engine ticking over smoothly for many more miles.
Looking after your vehicle by keeping it clean, regularly inspecting parts for potential faults, and replacing oil and parts on schedule will let you keep driving it in excellent condition for years to come.
