We all want to keep our favorite car for as long as possible but, any vehicle will eventually succumb to wear and tear over time. There are, however, certain things that you can do to prolong the life of your car to ensure it keeps ticking over for years to come. Here at JD’s Auto Repair, we’re going to give you some tips so you can keep your car on the road for longer.
1. Regularly Servicing Your Vehicle
Regularly servicing your vehicle is the single most important thing you can do to keep your car running for longer. Serviced cars are more fuel-efficient, perform better, and hold their resale value for longer than those that haven’t been regularly serviced. Make sure you get your vehicle serviced by qualified professionals at regular intervals.
2. Make Sure You Use Enough Oil
Oil is massively important for any engine. It keeps all the moving parts lubricated and helps collect dirt and dust that builds up over time. Regularly changing the oil is important but so is choosing high-quality oil and ensuring you use the right amount. Check your manufacturer’s handbook to see how much you should use for your vehicle.
3. Keep Your Car Clean
Keeping your car clean does more than keeping it looking good on the road. It ensures dirt and corrosive materials like salt and rain don’t get into the chassis or engine components. Over time, this will keep the structural integrity of the vehicle in check.
4. Keep Your Cargo Light
You may not realize it, but regularly carrying heavy loads in your vehicle puts a massive strain on the suspension, brakes, and chassis of the vehicle. It also makes the engine work much harder. When possible, try not to carry cargo that’s too heavy if you want your car’s structural integrity to last.
5. Give You Engine Time to Warm Up
Lots of engine damage can occur when the engine is warming up from the cold. It’s vital that when you start your vehicle on a cold morning, you let it run idle for about 30-60 seconds. This may sound trivial, but this minute or so gets all the important elements such as the oil, fuel injection, and pistons to the right temperature to run smoothly and more effectively.
6. Don’t Ignore Issues That Arise Unexpectedly
Have you noticed a strange knocking sound when you rev the engine? Maybe you think the suspension feels bouncier than usual. Or maybe there have been dark fumes coming out of your exhaust pipe when you pull away at the lights? If you experience any issues that you think are only minor, you should still go and get them checked out as soon as possible. What started off as a minor issue may develop into a serious (and expensive) long term problem.
If you want to save money in the long-run, it’s a good idea to keep your car in good condition to prolong its life. Following these 6 simple tips will do just that. If you are based in Philadelphia, PA, or the surrounding areas, give us a call: (215) 938-9270 at JD Auto Repair. Our experienced mechanics can offer your vehicle a complete servicing so you can keep it on the road for longer.
