Are you looking for ways to extend your car’s lifespan? There are several reasons why you might be focusing on keeping your car going for longer, from the financial to the practical.
It may be that you want to hand down this motor to your children in the future so you want to keep it in tip-top condition, or it could be that you just really like the model you drive and you don’t want to swap it for anything else just yet.
Whatever the reasons, here are some tips to extend the life of your car.
Why car care is important
Before you revamp your routine to get more years with your car, it’s worth thinking about why it’s so important to look after your vehicle. The main one is that being a car owner comes with responsibilities. As well as ensuring you’re being a courteous driver, you must make sure that your car is well maintained and safe to drive.
By taking steps to keep your car in good condition, it’s more likely that it will pass the MOT and not require any extensive work any time soon. Plus, you’re more likely to be able to extend your motor’s lifespan.
There are also legal considerations that give you a good incentive. As well as having a valid MOT certificate, you’ll need to make sure you have car insurance so that you’re covered in the event of an accident.
Ways to maintain your car
There are some ways to keep your car in great condition for the years ahead. Here are some steps to build into your maintenance routine:
- Wash your car frequently
Dirt build-up is detrimental to your car’s paint job. This is because poor paintwork leads to the slow destruction of the body underneath. Your paintwork can be affected whether you drive short distances or you’re a regular motorway driver, with everything from everyday dirt to silt causing damage.
Also, moss can settle into the seals around windows. This can affect the materials underneath and require repair work.
Regularly washing your car can help make your car last longer. Setting aside an afternoon once a month will do the trick.
- Change the oil and air filter
Having the right oil levels is vital for the smooth running of your engine. Check your owner’s manual so that you know what oil you need and the correct level. Most manufacturers suggest changing it every 5,000 miles. If you push it too far, there’s the chance that the oil will become dirty, potentially affecting the essential components of your engine.
- Pay attention to your tyres
Keeping your tyres inflated to the recommended pressure is also essential. As well as improving stopping distances, having the correct tyre tread can prevent blowouts and uneven wear. Damaged or uneven tyres can potentially be dangerous, too, especially in poor weather conditions.
To check your tyres are within the minimum legal tread of 1.6mm, try doing the 20p test to see if it’s at the right level.
- Check the maintenance lights
Are you regularly seeing maintenance lights on your dashboard? Whether it’s the check engine light or something else, it’s worth getting it checked by a professional at a garage. This will offer you peace of mind and give you the chance to repair something before it can affect your car.
By planning ways to check your car is in working order, you’re avoiding damage and costly repairs. This, in turn, means your car is likely to last for longer.
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