The following information will help you extend the life of your automobile.
- Switch Out The Filters
Filters don’t last forever. Both the air filter and the oil filter need to be swapped out on a regular basis. Often, this is taken care of when you bring your vehicle in for routine service. However, these are tasks that you can complete yourself if you want to be economical and save a few dollars. In addition, you can also wash the air filter so that you don’t have to replace it as often.
Before you do anything, make sure to read your handbook to familiarize yourself with what to do. It is also important to pick up good quality parts. Otherwise, you risk hurting your engine.
- Be Careful When Driving
Make sure you drive smoothly whenever possible. Sometimes this is easier said than done, but it is still important. When you drive smoothly, you extend the life of your car and you also get more miles to the gallon. The way that you drive affects several important parts of your vehicle, like the pedals, gearbox and steering wheel. Also, be careful not to hit the brakes suddenly.
There is some benefit to revving the engine, as it stops carbon deposits from accumulating. However, this isn’t something that should be done regularly. You should wait for several hundred miles in between revving the engine, and you need to make sure you’ve given the oil time to warm up.
Keep in mind that if you have a diesel car, you could have an issue with the diesel particulate filters getting clogged. These filters catch exhaust emissions that are bad for the environment. Simply drive on the highway once in a while for a bit of a distance to take care of them.
- Turn On The Air
If you don’t use your air conditioning, it might not work when you need it. Certainly, leaving the air conditioning off helps you save gas. However, in the end, it may not be worth the risk. Turn your air conditioning on periodically, even when it is cold outside. Doing so keeps your AC in good working order.
- Put In New Spark Plugs
Cars have come a long way in the past few decades. As a result of all the new technology that is available, drivers want to leave most of the work to the experts. There is a job that you should be able to handle, however; you can put in new spark plugs, as well as high tension leads. Doing so will keep your engine in good working order, but make sure you read your handbook before you do anything.
Always look over the spark plug first. It needs to have both a light brown electrode and an insulator. It should appear to be in generally good condition. If it is not, it should come out of the car, and you may need to be concerned about your engine as well.
Plugs that aren’t very old but that have some space between the insulator and the electrode may indicate your engine is not working as it should be working. Get in touch with a professional if that is happening.
In addition, the leads need to be changed if you can tell they are getting old or if there are cracks in them. Most of the time, this is best left to a professional. If you think you can handle it, make sure to read the handbook first and then go from there.
If you have a diesel car, you can move on because there are no spark plugs in diesel cars.
- Fill Up On Fluids
Fluids keep your car running the way it should. If you don’t top off your fluids on a regular basis, you could be harming your vehicle.
Your oil should be checked every two weeks. Pull out the dipstick and check to be sure that your oil level falls between the top and bottom markers. If the oil is very dark, you need to change it out. Keep in mind that it is not unusual for diesel engine oil to take in soot, so if you have a diesel car and your oil is dark, don’t panic.
Also look in the coolant reservoir at the same time that you check your oil. It needs to be filled with half distilled water and half antifreeze. In addition, don’t forget about your windshield washer fluid! Get something that is high quality and that does not have salt in it. Salt will harm the paint on the car, so it should be avoided whenever possible.
- Look At The Tires
Your tires help keep you safe on the road. That is why it is so important that you look over them on a regular basis. Once a week should do the trick. In the end, taking this step can help to save you money and it could keep you from a serious injury as well.
If your tires aren’t inflated properly, your car is going to use up more gas. Therefore, make sure your tire pressure is right, using the vehicle’s handbook as your guide.
Sometimes, your front tires and your back tires will need to have a different level of pressure. It may be best to rotate the tires on a regular basis to ensure that they wear evenly and last you as long as possible.
It is a good idea to put the tires that are in the best shape on the back axle. You can manage your car better this way.
- Get Serviced
If you truly want your car to last as long as possible, get it serviced according to a schedule. Typically, you will need service after you have driven a certain number of miles or after a certain amount of time has passed. Your handbook can help you understand what is best for your vehicle. In addition, your car will probably alert you when service is due by flashing a light on your dashboard.
You will likely need at least one service per year, and every couple of years, you will probably need something fairly big. For example, an oil change is a minor service, while putting in new spark plugs and air filters is a major service.
- Clean Your Vehicle
Is your car dirty? Are you having trouble remembering the last time you got it washed? It is important to keep your car clean. It certainly looks good when you do so, but you are also helping the car to live longer. Dirt gets in every nook and cranny of the vehicle and can cause acceleration issues. Go to a car wash if you don’t want to clean the vehicle yourself, but make sure you get it done one way or another. Or look into a Mobile car detailer.
