4 Ways to Prolong the Life of Your Car
According to S&P Global Mobility, the average age of a vehicle is just over 12 years! With the increasing inflation rate, the prices of vehicles are on the rise, so it’s more important than ever to focus on prolonging the life of your vehicle. To give your car the best chance of making it to its proper age of retirement, here are some tips to follow.
Take care of your car’s battery.
If you sometimes go days without starting your vehicle, you’re placing unnecessary strain on your car’s battery. To avoid your battery from going flat or dying, consider connecting it to a trickle charger in the garage to keep it juiced up and topped off. Allowing a battery to die, then jumping it can potentially damage the engine management system. If you don’t have a trickle charger, aim to drive the vehicle at least once a week.
Keep an eye on the fluids.
Brake fluid, transmission fluid, coolant, and power steering fluid are all essential to keeping your car running smoothly. Every time you gas up, it’s a good idea to take a peek under the hood at your fluid levels. If you wait for a leak, it’s too late, and damage may already be done!
Change the oil and rotate the tires regularly.
It’s recommended to change your oil every 3,000–5,000 miles. Depending on how often you drive, this is anywhere between every 3–6 months. Your car’s oil lubricates and tends to all areas of your engine and helps keep all parts working together seamlessly. While changing your oil, have your vehicle’s tires rotated to reduce uneven tread wear and tear.
Monitor your brakes.
How thick are your brake pads? You should never let them wear all the way down to the metal because this can damage your rotors and even your calipers, both of which are much more expensive to replace than just the pads.
Keep in mind that your trusted mechanic has a wealth of experience and will have your best interest at heart. Give us a call if you have any questions or concerns about your vehicle and we’ll help you to keep it operating safely and efficiently!