6 Maintenance Tips To Extend The Life Of Your Car

You probably love your car — it gives you the freedom to go wherever and whenever you want, makes the trips to the grocery store comfortable, or simply allows you to relax while you drive around aimlessly. If you really think about it, you might be astonished by the amount of time you spend behind the wheel, and no wonder you may feel a deep attachment to your vehicle.

As a responsible car owner, you should take proper care of it to extend its life. Notwithstanding the personal feelings, appropriate maintenance will save you a pretty penny in the long run, and you’ll be able to enjoy your car for years to come.

You should remember to do some essential car maintenance chores, such as washing the car, cleaning the interiors, and changing the oil. You might also want to check the tires and filters. You can go through resources such as https://www.hyrecar.com/blog/pass-19-point-vehicle-inspection/ to know if your vehicle conforms to the safety and operational requirements.

Your car is probably an integral part of your everyday life, so don’t risk facing inconvenience because of an unexpected visit to a car mechanic. With the maintenance tips in this article, you’ll be able to extend the life of your car successfully.


6 Maintenance Tips To Extend The Life Of Your Car

Wash Your Vehicle

Cars are exposed to all types of dirt and debris. Even if you drive your car carefully, dust particles will inevitably stick to the exterior paint. If you don’t wash your car regularly, these dust particles will accumulate over time, making your vehicle look old and dirty.

The problem with dust is that it can damage the paint on your car, exposing metal surfaces prone to rusting or other forms of corrosion. The best way to prevent this from happening is to wash your car at least once every two weeks. After this process, remember to thoroughly dry the vehicle to avoid water spots.

Check Tires and Filters

If you want your tires to last longer, you should check them regularly – ideally, once a month and before every long trip as driving on underinflated tires can cause serious damage. For instance, it frequently results in uneven tire wear, which can lead to a blowout.

You should also check the air filters in your car every six months because they are vital for the smooth operation of the combustion engine. Air filters are designed to collect dirt particles that can damage the engine. They keep the air flowing properly while cleaning the intake system by stopping dirt particles from entering the engine.

You should regularly replace your car’s air filter because it has a finite lifespan of five years or 15,000 to 30,000 miles (whichever comes first). When you replace a dirty air filter, you can enjoy a smoother running engine and better acceleration. A clean air filter will also improve fuel economy and reduce exhaust emissions.

Replace Spark Plugs

A spark plug ignites the fuel inside the cylinder so that it forces the piston down. It creates an explosion that turns the crankshaft, which results in the movement of the wheels. Replacing the spark plugs regularly will help you avoid problems such as misfiring, reduced fuel efficiency, and reduced power. The spark plugs should be replaced every 30,000 miles, but it may significantly vary depending on the vehicle; that’s why regular inspections are vital.

Change Oil Regularly

Your car needs oil to lubricate and cool internal parts and protect them from rust and corrosion. Changing the oil regularly is one of the essential maintenance tasks you can do as it affects your car’s performance and engine life dramatically. It is recommended that you change the oil every 3,000 miles in older cars or 5,000 to 7,000 miles in newer models, or at least once per year, whichever comes first. Oil has a limited life cycle; it loses its viscosity value when it gets older, making it less efficient.

Replace Wiper Blades

Another necessary maintenance task is replacing wiper blades. Your car’s wiper blades offer protection against rain and splashes of mud and snow. If you don’t change wiper blades in time, they may start streaking or skipping across the windshield when you use them, which will reduce visibility and make driving difficult and, thus, more dangerous in bad weather conditions. It is recommended that you replace wiper blades every six months or whenever they start streaking or skipping across the windshield.

Inspect Underbody Components

Some engine problems are hard to detect until they get severe, so it is a good idea to inspect underbody components from time to time. You should inspect the exhaust system, transmission system, steering system, and suspension system for cracks and leaks.

If any of these parts are damaged, they should be repaired or replaced right away as small cracks can turn into big problems if left unchecked. For example, a crack in a catalytic converter can lead to a fire in a matter of minutes, while a damaged tie rod can cause a serious accident while you’re driving on a busy highway.

Conclusion

If you want to protect your car from the damage that dirt, debris, transmission, steering, suspension systems, and other elements can cause, you should take proper care of it by following these maintenance tips. Doing simple tasks, such as washing the car, replacing spark plugs and wiper blades, or changing oil, will help ensure an efficient engine life, which can save you a lot of money in the long run. The last thing you want is to have a breakdown while you’re on a trip with your loved ones, so take care of your vehicle, and it will serve you well for years to come. When it comes to car maintenance, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Find more vehicle maintenance tips in our archives.


1 thought on “6 Maintenance Tips To Extend The Life Of Your Car”

Leave a Comment