The total mileage of a car was once a good measure of its lifespan – usually, at around 100,000 miles it was time to start thinking about getting a new one. But things have certainly changed! This is largely due to the quality of modern cars, which are considerably better than cars from only a decade ago. It’s also to do with the growing awareness of what wears down a car’s engine, with drivers now adapting the way they drive to help prolong their vehicle’s lifespan. Here at JD’s Auto Repair, we want to give you some top tips to help your car last longer on the road, saving you money in the long run!
Choose wisely
Although modern cars are generally better than their older counterparts, this isn’t necessarily the case across the board. When buying a new or used car, it’s a good idea to research whether the manufacturer has a reputation for building long-lasting vehicles. This is a good place to start because it often indicates that the manufacturer uses higher quality parts that are less likely to deteriorate as quickly. However, it’s also a good idea to buy from a manufacturer that is widely distributed – otherwise you could end up getting a great car that’s impossible to find new parts for!
Constantly maintain
Maintenance is one of the areas that so many car owners fail to keep up with. If your car is going to last way past that 100k mark, you’ll want to ensure you keep on top of changing the oil, replacing filters, getting tires rotated on schedule, and completing regular services. As cars get older, the level of maintenance they need will likely increase, but if you keep on top of things, the expense should be minimal.
Drive well
Aggressive driving can cause damage to your vehicle’s engine and body – the type of damage that’s very difficult to repair. It’s a good idea to get into the habit of driving carefully. Avoid hard braking, rapid accelerations, heavy use of the clutch (if you drive stick), and taking tight corners at speed. If you’re a city driver, it’s sometimes impossible to avoid these, which is often why cars in the city don’t last as long as those in the country.
Stay clean
Cleaning your car is important for the sake of hygiene, but internal cleaning is also important to ensure your car doesn’t rust or suffer from a build-up of grime throughout the winter months. Over time, this dirt can corrode your vehicle from the inside, causing irreparable damage. At the end of each winter, give your car a deep clean on the inside, and ensure you use a good quality wax when cleaning your car regularly.
Drive long
Ok, so this one sounds a bit strange, but short trips are actually more damaging per mile than long ones. This is because it takes a few minutes for the engine oil and other fluids to get to the correct temperature and run through the engine, and during this time the engine is undergoing extra stress. Of course, you won’t be able to completely stop making short trips, but you may want to consider walking to the local shop or using your bicycle for journeys within a one- or two-mile radius. This will not only keep your car in good health but is also a great way to stay fit and healthy yourself!
There are lots of reasons why you’d want to keep your car on the road for a long time – for one, it certainly saves you money in the long run! But it can also be nice if you have a car you enjoy driving or have a personal connection with. By following these top tips, you’ll be able to keep your vehicle on the road for longer, getting more miles out of it than you ever thought possible! To keep your vehicle in check and to ensure it lasts as long as possible, head down to JD’s Auto Repair where we’ll gladly give you full service and answer any further questions you may have about keeping your car in great working condition!
