How to Get the Most Mileage out of Your Car
Even though most modern cars and trucks should run for hundreds of thousands of miles, every vehicle has a finite lifespan. If you want to keep your car out on the road for as long as possible, then you must be diligent with its maintenance and keep an eye out for any signs of problems.
Change the Fluids
When it comes to vehicle maintenance, very few tasks are as important as changing the fluids. Over time, your vehicle’s fluids are slowly going to drop, and they must be replaced if you want to avoid major mechanical problems. Every vehicle is slightly different, but most cars and trucks need to have their oil changed at least once every 3,000 miles. As for the other fluids, like windshield fluid and coolant, you should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Regularly Inspect and Rotate the Tires
When the tires aren’t properly inflated, the motor must work much harder. Improperly inflated tires will also affect the vehicle’s handling, and that is a major safety issue. At least once every one or two weeks, you should visually inspect the tires for any signs of damage and check their pressure. Drivers should also have their tires rotated whenever they go in for an oil change.
Drive Smoothly and Cautiously
Driving aggressively is going to put you in danger and reduce the lifespan of your vehicle. Slamming your foot on the gas pedal and taking hard turns will put an incredible amount of strain on your car, and that will prematurely wear down the motor. That type of driving is particularly hard on vehicles when it is cold outside. All of the gaskets and metal components must warm up for a short period of time during the cold winter months.
Don’t Ignore Cosmetic Problems
Dents, scratches, and other cosmetic problems might not seem like a huge deal, but that type of damage could be very problematic in the long run. When a scratch or ding occurs, the protective layer of paint is going to be removed, and that means the underlying metal will be exposed to the elements, which can eventually affect the inner workings of your car. This will affect how long your car runs, and how well. As soon as any cosmetic damage occurs, you are going to need auto body services. Most minor scratches and dents can easily be taken care of in just a few hours.
Extending the life of your vehicle will cost you money and take up some of your time, but the results are going to be worth it. With a little bit of maintenance, you can greatly reduce your risk of expensive repairs and untimely breakdowns.
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan