If you’re like most car owners, you probably think of your car as an indispensable part of your life. You use it to get to work, take the kids to school, run errands, and go on road trips. So what would you do if your trusty used car broke down and needed expensive repairs? You might be tempted to just scrap it and just invest in a new car, but that’s not necessary.
With a little bit of preventive maintenance, you can keep your used car running like new for years. Read on for some tips that can help you extend the lifespan of your vehicle.
1. Get Used Car Warranty Protection
One of the best ways to keep your used car running is to purchase a used car warranty. This will protect you from expensive repairs and breakdowns, which could cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Warranties can be beneficial if your car is still under contract with the manufacturer since that means they’ll fix any problems for free. If your vehicle is too old for a manufacturer’s warranty, check out third-party warranties instead. These will work with any car model, regardless of the manufacturer.
2. Follow the Recommended Maintenance Schedule
One of the most important things you can do to keep your used car in the best shape is to follow the recommended maintenance schedule. Don’t just change the oil whenever you want, since that will cause more harm than good. Instead, consult your owner’s manual for detailed instructions on doing maintenance tasks like changing your fluids and filters and rotating your tires.
Not following the maintenance schedule is the most common mistake people make with their cars. This results in a shorter lifespan for the vehicle.
3. Regularly Check the Tire Pressure and Fluids
Another common mistake people make is that they don’t check their car’s fluids and tire pressure. If you’re going to keep your used car running, you need to ensure its parts are in good shape. That means regularly checking the oil, antifreeze/coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, battery levels, tire pressure, and windshield washer fluid.
If you’re going to stick to the schedule set by the manufacturer, you must do these checks at least once a week. However, doing these checks once a month will work just fine. It’s best to check tire pressure every other week, though.
4. Be Mindful of Strange Noises
Most of us ignore strange noises coming from our cars, thinking these sounds may not be worth checking out. But the only way to prevent problems with your car is by catching them early on.
With suspension, exhaust, and other parts, you should listen for any strange sounds whenever you’re driving down the road. Never ignore strange noises when driving as you may place yourself and your passengers in harm’s way. If you cannot pinpoint the origin of the noise, bring your car to a mechanic to figure it out.
5. Go Easy on Your Car
One of the best ways to keep your used car functioning well is by easing up on your gas pedal. The temptation to accelerate when you’re rushing to get somewhere is always present. But if you go easy on the gas and gradually accelerate, you’ll improve your gas mileage and lengthen the lifespan of your vehicle.
Of course, the occasional full-throttle acceleration or full stop will not harm your car. However, doing these things constantly often puts unnecessary strain on your engine.
6. Avoid Idling for Long Periods
It can be tempting to warm up your car before taking it out on the road, especially when it’s cold outside. But idling for long periods is just as bad as never warming it up at all. It puts additional strain on the engine and can even damage it if you idle for too long.
A cold engine, in other words, one that has been sitting for more than five hours, will have very little or no oil on the moving components. The oil pump only takes a few seconds to adequately lubricate an engine, as long as it is started up promptly. You should keep the engine RPM low for those few seconds. Give the engine at least 30 seconds to warm up before putting it into gear and driving off.
However, if your car’s engine has been idle for more than 24 hours, give it a little extra time. Also, if you have a manual transmission, move it into neutral while idling.
7. Inspect Your Tires for Damage and Wear
If you’re going to keep your used car running smoothly, you need to inspect the tires regularly. By doing so, you’ll catch any problems with the tire itself before they cause further damage to the car. If you notice a bulge or bubble on the tire, get it checked immediately by a mechanic to prevent more damage to the tire.
Also, make sure the tire’s tread is not worn down. Worn-down tires may cause problems with your suspension and steering systems.
8. Buy Quality Parts
One major mistake people make is buying cheap aftermarket parts instead of OEM parts. Aftermarket parts can be a good alternative if the price is right and you trust the company that manufactures them. But, more often than not, these parts don’t work as well and only end up costing you more in the long run. For example, aftermarket parts may not fit your car correctly or require additional parts to make them work.
A good rule of thumb is to buy OEM parts for everything your vehicle may need, even minor parts like windshield wiper blades or hoses. These parts are just as important as the others and must be checked regularly if you want your used car to last a long time.
The Bottom Line: Get the Most Out of Your Vehicle
Cars are a significant investment. Whether it’s a brand-new Kia Carens or a used Mercedes-Benz, following these tips will ensure that you’ll get the most out of your vehicle – and avoid those costly repairs