A motor vehicle is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make in life. As such, you always want to get the most use out of it, and this means driving it for the longest time possible. For this, regular check-ups and constant car maintenance are required.
Remember that only drivers who make a point of properly taking care of their vehicles get the most mileage and the best performance. So, if you also want to enjoy using your car, this article provides a summary of the best ways to make your car last longer.
Perform Regular Maintenance
This is probably the best thing you can do to ensure your vehicle lives long. Car maintenance is just like a doctor’s appointment that checks for any problems and arrests any that might be on the horizon before they hit your car.
Some of the most crucial maintenance practices include regular oil changes, cooling system checks, tire rotations, brake inspections, etc. The regrettable thing is that most motorists tend to overlook them, either out of ignorance or negligence.
Go through your car manufacturer’s manual to get acclimated to all the recommended maintenance services. These will go a long way to ensure your car performs better and lasts longer.
Maintain the Car Battery
If your car sits in the garage for extended periods due to lack of use, the battery can easily degrade and it will only be a matter of time before it goes flat. To prevent this, invest in a trickle charger, which serves to top-up a neglected car battery, or a battery conditioner for a car battery that seems to carry less charge than usual.
If ever you find yourself with a flat battery, you should know that jump-starting the car only puts extra strain on the battery. Furthermore, it may end up damaging the engine management system, as well as other delicate electronic components inside the battery.
If you want to prevent all of the above while ensuring that your battery is in top shape, drive your car at least once every week, especially during the winter season.
Clean Your Car and Protect it
Another important thing is to remember to always keep your car clean, both inside and outside. You don’t always have to take the car to a car wash; if you have the time, you can roll up your sleeves and give it a careful and thorough clean-up. Washing your car with the best car wash bucket helps to maintain its outward appeal and protects the paintwork and body from rust and corrosion
There are numerous tutorials on YouTube that can guide you on how to properly clean your car. Some of the cleaning agents required will probably be available domestically, so you shouldn’t worry about spending a lot on store products. Remember to use top windshield sealants on the glass and vacuum inside the car to keep the upholstery looking and smelling fresh and clean.
Another thing you want to do is avoid exposing the car to elements like direct sun, rain, or snow. Park your car inside the garage when not in use to prevent undesirable premature wear and tear of parts. Additionally, all-weather car mats can keep the interiors of your car spick and span. Check out these car mats for mercedes to get started!
Use the Right Engine Fluids, Parts, and Gas
The car parts sold on the market do not come from the same manufacturer. There is a huge variance between the oil filter you can purchase on eBay and the one available at your local automobile shop. Generally, oil sold at discount rates may not be the ideal option for your car.
Despite this, many drivers still insist on buying the cheapest parts and materials they can get their hands on, oblivious to the damage they can do to their cars. So, instead of the bargain-bin oils and no-cost parts that you’d ordinarily go for, why not try higher-end products that won’t harm your car? With all the different online stores you can discover nowadays, you can definitely find budget-friendly car parts with good quality. For example, if you are planning to buy rochester quadrajet carburetor online, make sure to do your research first to find the best price without sacrificing good quality.
Furthermore, watch out for the type of gas you feed your car. For example, you shouldn’t use regular gas on a sports car that needs plus or premium gas. This is because the engine will underperform and eventually deteriorate over time.
Change Your Driving Habits
Not many motorists realize this, but how you drive your car directly influences its longevity down the line. A couple of actions and habits tend to increase the toll on your car, and this is something you should be aware of.
These range from driving too fast, sharp swerving and cornering, taking too many short trips, rapid acceleration and emergency braking, etc. can do a number on your vehicle.
In essence, aggressive and rushed driving will deteriorate your car much faster compared to calm driving. Additionally, it’s advisable to drive your car less often; especially when the trips are too short to barely engage the engine.
