Most drivers want their car to last as long as possible. Keeping your car running longer might be as easy as checking the fluid levels and making sure the tires are well inflated.
Being conscientious about your car’s needs starts with reading it’s manual. Schedule maintenance accordingly.
Change oil every 3,000 miles
This will improve your gas mileage and protect your engine. Oil lubricates and cools the many parts in the engine. Forgoing regular oil and filter changes leads to metal-eating sludge, reduced efficiency, and eventual engine failure.
Other Fluid changes
Other fluids that require periodic replacement include transmission fluid, radiator coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid to stay aware of leaks, that could cause major damage if not remedied.
Flush every two years: power steering fluid, brake fluid, and cooling system antifreeze.
Swap filters
Perform with oil change. Filters stop debris from entering your engine. Air filters clean out dirt and dust in the air, while fuel and oil filters trap abrasive sediments. A dirty, dusty filters hampers gas mileage.
Tires and Alignment
Other Fluid changes
Other fluids that require periodic replacement include transmission fluid, radiator coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid to stay aware of leaks, that could cause major damage if not remedied.
Flush every two years: power steering fluid, brake fluid, and cooling system antifreeze.
Brakes
Monitor brake pad thickness. Don’t let the pads wear down to metal. This may cause damage to your brake rotors (“discs”) calipers. Rotors and calipers are much more expensive to replace than pads.
Stay on top of repairs
Putting off repairs can result in further damage to your vehicle (and wallet). Ignoring squealing brakes will only reduce your braking power. Driving around with a failing water pump can result in overheating and catastrophic engine damage.
Driving matters
Take your time. After all, they say it’s about the journey, not the destination. Jackrabbit acceleration and braking takes a toll on the entire car by increasing the stress and strain on components, which wears them out faster.
Get your car off to a good start every time you drive it. Start the car and drive off slowly and gently until the car reaches operating temperature. This reduces the strain on the engine
Drive less. Especially, avoid short journeys which shorten the life of your muffler. Basically, you get condensation in the exhaust when you start too often. Combine short errands,
Wash car: Road salt, sludge and pollution can lead to costly body work. Without regular cleaning, you can start to notice rust on the bottom of your doors within four years.
Putting into practice preventive maintenance will put money in your pocket and pay for you next vacation.