Top Five Ways to Keep Your Vehicle Running Forever

 

You may set out to buy a car that you can drive for several years, however sometimes circumstances change and you may be seeking a new car sooner than expected. Perhaps a new model comes out that you just have to have. Or maybe an addition to your family has you in the market for a bigger vehicle. However, don’t let the reason you get rid of your current vehicle be that it has not held up well over the years. You can greatly extend the life of your car and reduce the chances of mechanical mishaps by sticking to the tips below to keep your car in tip-top shape for the long haul.

1 – Be Gentle During Start-up. If your engine has been turned off for more than five hours, all of the oil will have seeped down to the oil pan. The engine needs at least 30 seconds after start-up to get the oil pump to adequately lubricate the moving parts before you put it gear and take off. If the car has sat for more than 24 hours, give it a little more time during start-up.

2 – Follow Recommend Service Schedules. While this is common sense to a lot of us, there are still too many cars on the road that don’t receive proper and timely maintenance. The owner’s manual of your car has a vehicle maintenance schedule set forth by the manufacturer listed right inside. Follow this guide. After all, the manufacturer built the car so they know what’s best for it.

3 – Listen for Irregular Sounds. Every once in a while, opt out of your karaoke session in your car and simply listen to it. Listen for any odd noises coming from the vehicle, both while idle and while driving. Clicking, scratching, or grinding noises are not normal and could be your best indicator that a problem is at bay. Have this looked at before it becomes a bigger hassle and expense.

4 – Practice Being a Calm Driver. There’s no need to drive like a racecar champ through your suburban neighborhood, so take it easy on your car. Driving too hard and jamming on your brakes will have your car out of commission in no time. Avoid stress on the transmission by taking it easy on the gears as well. Be sure the car is at a complete stop before switching into reverse. Being a calm driver also saves you money. Having an easy-does-it attitude on the road improves fuel economy by almost 35 percent.

5 – Regularly Check Tire Pressure and Fluids. Oil is the most important engine fluid. Take about 10 minutes out of your day occasionally to check the oil reservoir level. When your engine is cool, open the hood of your car and pull of the oil dipstick. Use a rag to wipe it clean then put it back in and pull it out again to check the level. Use a pressure gauge to make sure each tire is properly inflated according to your owner’s manual or by the tire manufacturer’s specifications.

One more piece of advice is to start with a car you love. Did you know the average American spends over 18 hours per week in their car? Make sure you are spending all that time is a vehicle you love to drive. A little TLC for a car you love to begin with will undoubtedly keep you driving it longer as well.