Okay, so maybe no one can keep their car running forever, but there are a lot of things you can do to greatly extend the life of your car. These tips and tricks will save you a ton of money in the long run, and you’ll be able to avoid the trouble of buying and selling a car for several years more than you otherwise might.
Read on for some ideas on how to treat your car with TLC. It will pay off!
1. Easy on the Pedals
One of the first things to know about your car is that it needs gentle care — that means no rapid accelerating, braking or revving the engine! These things put much more stress on the engine. So take it slow when you are speeding up, slowing down or trying to warm up the car. If it’s extremely hot or cold outside, let your car take a few minutes of idle running to get ready for the trip.
2. Spare the Air
This one seems obvious, but one of the best ways to prolong the life of your car is by not driving it! So whenever you can avoid using your car, take the opportunity. Start a car pool, ride your bike, walk to close destinations, or get a ride with a friend. Especially short trips in your car can be rough on your engine, bad for gas mileage and bad for the environment. So you’ve got a whole host of reasons to minimize your trips in the car!
3. Go In For Regular Maintenance
Oil, fuel filter and air filter changes are an important part of car maintenance. The more you skip these things or get behind on visits to the auto shop, the more your car will suffer. You may not want to shell out the cash at the time, but you’ll really be saving money in the long run! Check your car manual to see how often your car needs to be checked out.
4. Keep It Clean
While it may seem like an image thing, keeping your car washed and clean can have a long-term impact on the quality of your car. Dirt and other chemicals can wear down your paint job and cause chipping and other damage. So make sure to wash your car on a regular basis, particularly in the winter time, when salt builds up from snow melt on the roads!
5. Solve Car Problems Quickly
Take your car into the mechanic at the first sign of trouble. Like your own health, a car’s state can get worse if you don’t have it checked out immediately. So when the engine light goes on, you hear a mysterious rattling or your car just isn’t running like it used to, get it the attention it needs! If you’re nervous about trips to the mechanic, ask around until you find a trusted person to do the job!
6. Keep It Light
While it’s certainly nice to be prepared, you don’t want to keep too much extra stuff loaded up in your car. The added weight can really take a toll on your car, and it also uses up gas more quickly. So make sure to unload random boxes, clothes and unnecessary items from your car. It’ll probably make you feel more organized too!
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