It's only natural to want your car to last as long as possible; after all, who doesn't? The last thing you want is to have your car break down in an environment where fuel prices are rising and repair costs are high. Rather than neglecting your car's maintenance, it is only wise to protect your investment.
A few simple things can help your car run longer, such as checking fluid levels and ensuring the tires are properly inflated. Keeping your car reliable and safe can be as simple as following a few simple steps.
If you make sure that you read the car's manual and keep pace with the maintenance schedule. This can help you avoid the costly complications such as drive train, suspension, cooling system, and much more. Additionally, following the manufacturer's recommended schedule ensures that you get the full benefit of your warranty whenever needed.
You should regularly check the level of your car's oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, anti-freeze, and power steering fluid. A good time to check on these fluids is when you refuel. Despite the fact that your car may not be leaking fluids at the moment, it is possible for one to occur at any time. You can identify this by regularly checking the fluid levels in the engine.
Since you got your license, you have probably been urged to keep up with your oil changes. A car's engine relies on oil to lubricate and cool the parts that are tightly packed together. When you do not change your oil and filters regularly, metal-eating sludge accumulates, reducing efficiency, and eventually causing your engine to fail. It's cheap insurance against engine damage to change your oil every 3,000 miles (or as recommended by the manufacturer).
You vehicle is directly connected to the road by its tires. Therefore, it is imperative that you check your tires' air pressure and condition regularly. The process will increase the fuel efficiency of your car as well as its safety. Let's face it, nobody likes buying new tires, and maintaining them will extend their lifespan.
The longer you wait to repair your vehicle, the more damage it will sustain (and the more money your wallet will lose). If the water pump fails, the engine may overheat and suffer catastrophic damage. You will lose braking power if you ignore squealing brakes. Make sure you don't ignore the Check Engine Light. Getting it fixed right away will save you money in the long run.
Lastly, pay attention to how you drive. There is a lot at stake here. Not only are you making yourself look like a jerk by driving roughly, but it's also damaging your car. The stress and strain placed on components by Jackrabbit acceleration and braking causes them to wear out faster.
Having these tips in mind will let you drive your car until it falls apart. If you want your car to continue running safely and reliably, you cannot just fill it up with gas and expect it to last forever.
