5 Tips for Keeping Your Car Going for Years

A new vehicle can be a big and burdensome expense. In the long run, it’s much less expensive to maintain the vehicle you have than to replace it with a new one. Use these tips to keep your vehicle running in tip-top shape for years to come.

1. Regular Oil Changes

One of the most important aspects of maintaining your vehicle is getting regular oil changes. Your vehicle’s engine relies on oil to keep everything lubricated and moving as it should. If you allow the oil to run dry, your engine will seize up, which makes for a big expense we know you’d rather not deal with. Additionally, letting the oil get too dirty causes improper lubrication of engine parts, ultimately resulting in lots of repairs down the road. Depending on your vehicle and the type of oil you use, oil changes should be done every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

2. Tire Maintenance 

Tire maintenance is something that’s all too often overlooked by car owners. Your tires are a very important part of your vehicle, and without them, you won’t get far. Form a habit of inspecting your tires at least once a month, if not more frequently. You want to check the tread depth, look for any nails or screws, and watch for signs of uneven wear. It’s also important to keep an eye on your tire pressure. Having all four tires properly inflated not only helps you save money at the gas pump but also prevents inconvenient flats and blowouts.

3. Tuneups

If you want to keep your car going for years, you need to do regular tuneups. This means you’ll want to have the spark plugs changed. After a while, the spark plugs start to lose their ability to create a good spark, and when one fails, it can really affect your vehicle’s performance. In addition to spark plugs, you’ll also need to clean or replace your air filter. A clean air filter and new spark plugs will make your car run better, and you’ll improve your gas mileage as well.

4. Keep It Clean Inside and Out

Although it may not seem related, keeping your car clean inside and out will help it stay on the road longer. Regularly washing the exterior of your vehicle prevents mud, dirt, and other road debris from getting under the hood of your car. If your engine, belts, hoses, and other parts stay clean, they will operate better and longer. This is the same for the inside. Keeping your car’s interior clean prevents things like buttons and knobs from sticking and becoming non-operational.

5. Check the Fluids

Your car has more fluids than just oil that need to be filled or changed regularly. Make sure you or your mechanic check the brake fluid, transmission fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, and windshield wiper fluid levels. If any of these fluids get low or run out, it could be detrimental to the life of your vehicle. If you want to keep your car going for years, use these tips. Simple, regular maintenance can go a long way when it comes to your vehicle. Image courtesy of Pixabay.com

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