It’s no surprise that replacing your current car will be inevitable. So you must take care of your car to avoid doing it too soon. Luckily, here are a few tips for extending your car’s life expectancy and what to avoid. Before you know it, proper car care will reward you with an extended period of ownership. Saying goodbye to your treasured vehicle doesn’t have to come so soon.
Protect Your Car From the Sun
Over time, sun exposure can cause the exterior paint to wear down and fade. You can protect your car from harmful UV rays by parking in shaded places, such as a garage. However, if you don’t have access to a garage or storage unit, a car tarp will do the trick. By keeping your car out of the sun, you’ll safeguard its paint and interior.
Regularly Check Your Oil and Coolant
Around every 5,000 miles or so, you must get your car’s oil changed. Having clean, debris-free oil will allow your car to run and operate efficiently by keeping parts lubricated. Additionally, you shouldn’t forget to get your coolant checked. Low levels can quickly cause problems for your car in the future, so monitor your coolant and oil level for optimal car functionality.
Listen for Unusual Noises
As you drive around listening to music, you may listen to the news or podcasts to keep you entertained, especially during long stretches of road. However, you should turn your entertainment off from time to time to check if your vehicle is making any odd noises. Grinding, whirring, squeaking, or whining noises could show signs of worn-down parts or broken pieces. Catch these early to avoid expensive repairs.
Check and Rotate Your Tires
Over time, your wheels will start to lose their tread and not have the ability to grip the road. On top of getting your tires checked regularly, you should also have them rotated so that they wear evenly. Tire pressure is another vital aspect, as it will keep your car balanced, and you’ll be less likely to have issues with alignment. Also, replace your tires when the tread wears down, as that’s also a modification that’ll increase your car’s value.
Keep Your Owner’s Manual Close
There are plenty of situations where you’ll have to access your owner’s manual. These include conditions like a light going off on your dashboard, sudden power loss to your vehicle, or your infotainment system acting odd. Getting to know your owner’s manual will keep you educated on your car’s needs and how to identify minor issues. It’s an essential tip for extending your car’s life expectancy and keeping it running longer.
Having a car means knowing how to take care of it. So ensure that you know your vehicle well and maintain a regular schedule for upkeep, replacements, and repairs.
