Most of the time, maybe with some exceptions, you can’t have a car that will last you for a lifetime. Usually, a vehicle will last you for 14 years. This is the average. Hopefully, some tricks will make your car last longer, and we are here to share them with you.
Remember that your car is one of the biggest purchases you will ever make, and this is why you should do everything to keep it in the best condition possible.
Read on and learn how to prolong the life of your car, and you will also learn how to save yourself a few bucks along the way!
1. Spark plugs and leads should always be replaced
It seems reasonable that as vehicles get more complex, drivers are less likely to perform their maintenance. If you want to maximize your engine’s performance, you should regularly replace the high-tension leads and spark plugs on your own.
This is one of the tricks that will make your car last longer, and even if you think that it is complicated, you’ll be surprised by how simple it is in reality.
Remember to always follow the service schedule and refer to your vehicle’s manual beforehand. Examine a spark plug and check if it has an insulator and electrode that are light brown, if it’s free of wear or deposits, and if it shows signs of melting.
It may be a hint that the engine is not working well if the plug is not too old and there is a noticeable space between the electrode and the insulator. If so, you should get in touch with a mechanic. Remember that leads should be changed if they are cracked or display severe wear.
2. Keep the car clean
Despite how simple it may seem, maintaining a clean vehicle will increase its lifespan. Rust is caused by dirt and grime, especially during the winter when there is salt on the highways. Even though the exterior of your car may be galvanized, not all of the parts under the undercarriage are resistant to rust.
Get outside with the hose and scrub everything clean, even the bits you can’t see. Neglect and leave those suspensions covered in mud, and you will dramatically shorten their lifespan.
Maintaining the car’s paintwork with routine washing and occasional polish and wax treatments will help raise its resale value. Lastly, always remove bird droppings from your paintwork as soon as you notice them. It will eat away at the paint and cause permanent damage.
Regular cleaning will make your car last longer, and this is why you need to take care of this chore regularly.
3. Too much weight can harm the car
In an effort to fulfill pollution regulations and boost miles per gallon, manufacturers are always searching for methods to lighten their cars. Considering this, it is easy to understand that you should keep the weight down to a minimum. This is one of the ways to make your car last longer, and for the most efficient results, follow the following rules.
The fuel efficiency of your car will definitely be reduced if you decide to carry excess weight. In addition, your suspension, brakes, and tires will all experience extra wear and tear.
You can start by eliminating everything unnecessary from the vehicle. Check behind the front seats for any lost items or bottles after checking the glovebox and door pockets.
Next, empty the trunk and remove anything unneeded. In case of an emergency, just don’t forget to leave the jack, toolbox, and locking wheel nut key.
4. Oil is everything
Engines run on oil, and old, tainted oil will limit the engine’s lifespan. Never go outside the recommended oil change intervals, never use cheap oil, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
It is always necessary to replace the oil filter every time you change the oil. For a bonus, consider refilling with less expensive oil and then changing it again with high-quality name-brand oil after a few hundred miles. Try not to use an engine flush since it can be too harsh on most engines.
If you find that doing an oil change is too much effort, you might want to consider purchasing a vacuum oil extractor. This device removes oil through a dipstick tube, saving you from having to work beneath the car.
Whether you choose to change your oil using the traditional method or you decide that using a vacuum oil extractor is more convenient for you, don’t forget that changing the oil is one of the habits that will make your car last longer.
5. Warm it up
When an engine is started cold, it suffers the most damage. Once the engine starts up, the oil pan has just cold oil that has a lower viscosity. This oil must be moved around the engine in order to lubricate the components, and even more importantly, it must also warm up if you want it to operate properly.
Contrary to common belief, you should not start the engine and keep it idling since it is better for the engine to reach temperature quickly. When an engine is cold and not running, it will take a while to warm up, especially if the engine is diesel.
The ideal technique is to crank the engine, let it idle for a little period of time (30 to 60 seconds) to allow the oil to flow, and then gradually accelerate for the first couple of miles until the engine reaches its regular operating temperature. In wintertime, never over-rev the engine. Make your car last longer, and never forget to warm up the engine!
6. Get the car to the service, and don’t ignore the issues
This one is probably the most obvious one on the list and also the easiest way to make your car last longer. This is the main thing you should do in order to take care of your car, and this is why it is so important.
It’s important to follow the suggested service intervals, but if you intend on keeping the car for a long time, there’s no harm in doing them a few hundred miles sooner or more regularly.
Also, is your car making a knocking sound every time it goes over some bumps? Or perhaps you feel like you’re grinding a little bit as you make left-hand turns? These are not good news, and even if you believe that it is not a big deal and you want to make your car last longer, you should never ignore such issues.
That broken stereo won’t fix itself, so don’t just turn it up and hope it happens. When a wheel bearing is ignored and begins to fail, it can lead to overheating of the hub, which can damage the CV joint and require a more extensive and expensive repair.
If you find something that is not working properly, don’t wait and just go to the service. This is one of the most effective ways to make your car last a lifetime. When something breaks down, do your best to repair it as soon as possible.
If you want to change the oil in your car, this kit might help you: Oil Change Kit
You should also read: 9 Used Cars Just As Good as New Models, According to Experts
