If we told you that by making a commitment to regular preventive maintenance, you could double, or even triple, the lifespan of your vehicle, would you be interested? Buying a new car is a pretty steep investment. By committing to regular car maintenance with the idea of keeping your vehicle on the road for as long as possible, you will not only eliminate that expensive car payment, you will also save money at the pumps and on unexpected car repairs. If that sounds great to you, here are 8 things you can do to increase the life of your vehicle.
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- When it comes to routine maintenance or the replacement of parts, only use high-quality. While you may pay a little bit more at the time you receive the service, you will reap much more in benefits as your vehicle begins to get older. High-quality synthetic oils and other high-quality fluids will protect your engine better so it lasts longer.
- Routine cooling system maintenance is extremely important. The antifreeze/coolant in your car’s cooling system is designed to keep the engine from overheating. It also protects internal engine parts from rust and corrosion. If you don’t flush and replace the fluid in the cooling system on a regular basis, the engine will run hotter creating more wear and tear. Parts will also corrode faster and could lead to complete engine failure. It’s equally important to inspect and replace hoses and belts at the first sign of excessive wear.
- Service the transmission. Have you checked the level and condition of your transmission fluid lately? It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation when it comes to servicing your transmission. If you check the fluid and it smells like it’s burned or is dark brown or black, there’s a problem with your transmission. A note of caution: If you have never changed the transmission fluid or filter and your vehicle is approaching 100,000 miles, don’t go right out and have this service performed. You could create a problem with your transmission. Not sure what to do? Talk to us about it.
- Routinely inspect and replace belts, especially the timing belt. You want to make sure you replace belts before they break. This is critically important when it comes to the timing belt. If the belt breaks, you’ll most likely need a new engine. Click here to read more about the importance of changing your timing belt.
- Maintain the tires, brakes and suspension system. This is paramount. Driving on tires that are underinflated and/or wearing unevenly pose a serious safety risk. Driving with bad brakes, even more so. Rotate the tires every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, keep them inflated to the proper tire pressure and have an alignment done regularly. Watch for signs of excessive wear and tear on your tires. If you suspect a problem with the brakes (click to read about signs you may need a brake job) or suspension system, have your vehicle inspected right away. (click here to read more about your car’s suspension system).
- Be observant of any signs and symptoms that indicate a problem with your vehicle. Small problems should be fixed before your car breaks down and needs a major repair. Listen for strange sounds. Identify any odd odors. When in doubt, bring your vehicle in and we will take a look. Not sure what to look for? We have plenty of articles in our blog to help you become aware of potential car problems.
- Keep your car in a garage, if possible. Garage-kept cars last longer than cars parked outside all the time. Pollutants in the air will cause the body of your vehicle to corrode faster. Rain and snow will cause rust. Even in the winter, the sun fades the plastics and fabrics in your car’s interior. It can also cause leather seats to dry out and crack.
- Regularly clean the interior and exterior of your vehicle. Keeping the exterior of your vehicle clean and waxed preserves the paint finish and prevents rust. With each washing, you should also hose off the underbody of your vehicle. This is especially important in the wintertime when road salt is prevalent. Clean and vacuum the interior once a month.
The certified auto technicians at Country Road Automotive can help keep you up-to-date with your car maintenance. Every time your car is in our shop, we perform a 28-point safety inspection to alert you to any problems. We also keep a detailed service history so you don’t have to worry about whether or not you have had a certain service performed. Click here to schedule your next car service or repair with Country Road Automotive in Lincoln Park, New Jersey.