10 Ways To Extend The Life of Your Vehicle

We all want our cars to last forever, but the reality is that even the best-made vehicles will eventually start to show their age. As most car owners know, keeping a car in good shape takes effort. After all, a car is a big investment, and you want to get as much use out of it as possible. Car maintenance isn't always fun, but it is a necessity.

By taking care of your car, you'll extend its life and keep it running smoothly. So give your car the love and attention it deserves. Your vehicle will thank you for it, and so will your wallet - especially when it comes time to sell or trade in. In our latest blog, we are discussing the steps that you can take to extend your car's life and keep it running "like new" for even longer.  Let's go!

Here are THE TOP 10 tips To prolong the life of your vehicle:

1. Get Regular Oil Changes

The oil in your engine helps to keep all of the moving parts lubricated, reducing friction and wear over time. As your vehcile runs, the oil breaks down and becomes less effective, leading to increased wear on the engine components. By changing the oil regularly, you can help extend your engine's life and avoid expensive repairs down the road. Regular oil changes can also improve your fuel economy by helping the engine run more efficiently. So, if you're looking to save money and keep your car in good shape, be sure to set a schedule (or get reminders via GLOVEBOX) for those oil changes!

2. Check Your Tires

Tires are the only part of your car that actually touch the ground, so they play a crucial role in your car's performance. Over time, the tread on your tires get worn down and lose their grip, which can lead to problems like skidding or even blowouts. By regularly inspecting your tires, you can  reduce the risk factor and catch problems early. Furthermore, keeping your tires properly inflated can improve your gas mileage by up to 3%, so it's definitely worth taking a few minutes to check them. In short, there is no downside to regularly checking your tires, so make sure to add it to your car maintenance routine.

3. Do Preventive Maintenance 

Just like our bodies, our cars need a certain amount of preventative maintenance to help them stay healthy and function at their best. Neglecting even the simplest tasks can lead to big problems. For example, making sure your car has the proper amount of coolant can be vital to keeping the engine running smoothly. Keeping your brakes in good working order is also very essential for safety. Creating this schedule could be in the form of a general maintenance appointment with your trusted service provider once or twice a year. By making a free account on heyauto.com, you can use Glovebox to track your maintenance and schedule reminders so that your service appointments are never missed. 

 

4. Keep It Clean

Keeping your car organized and clean, both inside and out, will only maintain its value. Regular washing and waxing of your car will help protect its paint job from the elements, while vacuumed carpets and dust-free upholstery will help keep your interior looking sharp. Avoid eating in your car to prevent crumbs and spills from becoming permanent fixtures - but if spills happen (it's life), be sure to tackle those stains as soon as possible.

 

5. Let Your Car Warm Up 

 

In the winter, it's important to let your car warm up before driving it as it’s better for your car's engine. Cold oil is thicker than warm oil, and as such, it doesn't flow as easily through your motor. That means it can't lubricate your engine easily in cold weather, and your engine could end up damaged in the long run.  Plan ahead, and give yourself more time to get where you're going - by giving your vehicle engine a chance to heat up before you hit the road.

 

6. Never Drive On Empty

When it comes to car maintenance, one of the most important things you can do is keep your gas tank full. Many people think that driving with an empty tank is no big deal, but the truth is that it can actually be very harmful to your car. For one thing, it puts unnecessary strain on the engine and other vital components. Additionally, if you run out of gas, you run the risk of damaging the fuel pump. HeyAuto Pro tip: aim to never let your gas tank get below half, and you'll be ahead of the game. 

 

7. Choose A Good Insurer

Should your car ever get into an accident, a good insurer can help to cover the cost of repairs and replacements. They can also provide peace of mind by helping to ensure that your car is in good health. Additionally, a good insurer can be the key to saving money on your car insurance premiums. As a result, it's important to choose an insurer that you trust. Knowing where to start with so many options can be tricky. However, by doing some research and reading reviews, you should be able to find an insurer that's right for you.

8. Choose A Sheltered Parking Spot

Parking your car in a garage or a well-shaded area can help to protect it from the elements and keep it looking its best. Direct sunlight can cause the paint to fade, while hail and wind are damaging to the body of a car. In addition, rain and snow can rust the metal and cause the brakes to corrode. By parking your car in a sheltered spot, you can help to extend its lifespan and even avoid costly repairs.

 

9 . Drive Carefully In Extreme Weather Conditions

Ice, snow, and rain can all be tough on your car. Take extra care when driving in winter conditions, and be sure to give yourself plenty of time to brake slowly and safely. All of these steps, and more, will help you to avoid accidents or damage to your vehicle. 

 

10. Check On Brake Pad Thickness

Brakes are an essential part of a car's safety system. They provide the necessary stopping power to keep you and your passenger's safe while on the road. Brakes work by pressing brake pads against the rotors to slow the wheels down. Over time, your brake pads can wear down, reducing their stopping power. That's why it's important to keep an eye on brake pad thickness and replace them when they start to get thin. Not only will this help to keep your car running safely, but it will also save you money in the long run by avoiding more expensive repairs. So, next time you're speaking to the experts, take a moment to consider having them check your brake pads to ensure that they are up to the task of keeping you safe on the road.

 

Maintaining your car is an important task. You can extend the life of your vehicle by following some simple tips like getting regular oil changes, checking your tires, parking it somewhere sheltered, keeping it clean, doing preventative maintenance, letting it warm up in cold temperatures, choosing a good insurer, and driving carefully. Are you committed to doing these things to keep your car healthy? Let us know how they worked out for you!