Tips to Making Your Car Last
Most people have been affected in one way or another by the economy and that is why everyone is finding more ways to save money. Cars are an expense that many people have to deal with. A check engine light, unusual noise from under the hood, a full on breakdown of your car, all costs money. The best way to save this money is to take good care of your car and make it last as long as possible. The key to making your car last is proper care and driving. To enjoy your car and get the most out of the money you spent on it follow these tips provided by The National Motorist Association.
1. Regular maintenance. This does not just mean an oil change every so often, but general maintenance including brake checks, cooling system, transmission checks and so on. Usually when you purchase a car there is a schedule and list of things to be done and when to be done. Check and see if you still have that list and that you are up to date on it.
2. Understand the difference between “normal” and “severe” use. Automakers base the service needs for the car on “normal” driving but if you do “severe” driving such as city driving with a lot of stop and go action then you will need to have your cars oil and filters changed more frequently. You may think that spending a little more often to do the services is a waste, think about how expensive it will be to replace a prematurely tired engine.
3. Competent service by trained technicians. Make sure the person who is working on your car knows what they are doing. Avoid trying to fix the problems on your own unless you are very familiar with cars.
4. Driving style. This is much more important than people think. The fun full-throttle starts, late and hard breaking, throwing the car around corners is not only killing your gas mileage but is wearing on your tires, engine, transmission makes, suspension parts etc. Smooth and steady driving will extend all the components of your car. You are also saving on gas and allowing your tires to last longer.
5. Help save your transmission. If you have a manual transmission do not hold the clutch while idling at a light. If you have an automatic transmission use the parking brake to avoid excess strain on the transmission.
Finally, if you want to make the outside of your car last, keep your car clean. Avoid letting water spots, bird feces, and dirt settle on the paint. A good detailing of your car once a year will keep the exterior looking new. And remember, when you are out on the road, drive safe. It is not only to protect you and the others on the road but will help keep your car running for years to come.
