Interested in finding ways to make your car last longer? You may not be able to control rising fuel prices or your insurance rates, but you can make it last longer by maintaining it regularly. Here are some tips to help you keep your vehicle on the road for as long as you would like:
Regular Oil & Filter Changes: This seems like a no-brainer, but there’s a lot of confusion with the advent of synthetic oils and the differing maintenance schedules recommended by car manufacturers. The best thing to do is talk with your technician at Country Road Automotive. Not only do we know cars, but since we keep a detailed history on every vehicle we maintain and repair, we know your car. We’ll use the right engine oil and filter and we’ll recommend the proper maintenance schedule for your vehicle. At a minimum, it’s probably a good idea to stick with an oil and filter change every 3,000 miles.
Keep Your Vehicle Breathing Easy: In addition to the engine oil, there are other fluids and filters that need regular maintenance. One that is very important to the longevity of your engine and its performance is the air filter. If the air filter is clogged, the engine is going to be performing less efficiently. Not only does this affect your fuel economy but it can harm the engine over the long term.
Keep the Engine Cool: Your vehicle’s cooling system works to keep the engine running in cold and hot weather. It’s important to not only check the level of coolant but to make sure it is still has the ability to inhibit corrosion. As the corrosion-inhibiting chemicals are used up over time, electrolytic corrosion starts to eat away at the metal inside the engine and radiator. A simple test using an antifreeze test strip will tell you whether or not the coolant needs to be changed. It’s also a good idea to periodically inspect the hoses and belts for wear and tear so you can have them replaced before a breakdown occurs.
Get Regular Check-Ups: It’s a good idea to find a repair shop you trust, like Country Road Automotive, and let that shop service your car all the time. You want to build a long-term relationship with the shop so they get to know you and your vehicle. By keeping a detailed history of the maintenance and repair work you have done, your auto repair shop can alert you to potential maintenance issues before they become major repairs or breakdowns. While your owner’s manual will have a maintenance schedule, another advantage of using the same auto repair shop on a regular basis is they will be able to make sure you stick to the schedule — and take care of things the manual may not include.
Get Problems Checked Out Sooner Rather Than Later: If you have a small problem with your vehicle, it’s a good idea to get it checked out as soon as possible. First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure your vehicle is safe to drive. If you have any doubts or are noticing a problem with such things as brakes, brake lines, ball joints, tie rods, airbags, or even the structural integrity of your vehicle, get it check out! Getting simple problems checked out and repaired right away will also help you avoid expensive repair bills down the road.
Don’t Ignore Those Dashboard Lights: Warning lights are on your dashboard for a reason…to let you know there’s something wrong with your vehicle. If a “red” warning light comes on while you are driving, safely pull over to the side of the road as soon as possible and call for a tow. If you continue to drive, you will severely damage your vehicle’s engine.
Periodically Inspect Your Vehicle: Every now and then, take five minutes to walk around your vehicle. Look at the tires to see if they are wearing evenly. Open the hood and check out the hoses. Make sure all the lights are working.
If You Can’t Avoid Salt, Wash Your Car Frequently: Road salt wreaks havoc on the body of your vehicle, causing rust and corrosion. In the winter months, wash your vehicle more frequently and make sure to include the undercarriage, too.
Keep the Inside Clean, Too: It’s important to regularly wash and wax the exterior of your vehicle, but don’t forget about the interior. Wipe down the vinyl with a protectant, vacuum the carpet on a regular basis, remove spills, and apply a cleaner and protectant to any leather.
Drive Smarter: The way you drive will affect how long your vehicle will last. Establish good driving habits and you’ll not only cut fuel costs, you’ll also save on wear and tear. Avoid taking off fast and stopping quickly. Don’t ride the brakes when you go down hills. Use the parking brake when you park on hills.
Keep It Covered: If you are able, keep your vehicle in a garage or under a carport or cover. It will protect the vehicle’s finish so it lasts longer.
Need to schedule a service or repair on your vehicle, click HERE to use our on-line appointment form or call us at 973-696-6636.