5 Maintenance Tasks That Can Extend Your Car’s Lifespan
Most drivers typically focus on gas prices, insurance and periodic vehicle repairs when thinking about vehicle ownership. However, few owners realise that maintaining their vehicle through regular maintenance will help them save money on costly repairs over the life of the vehicle and extend the operating life of the vehicle. Regular maintenance on all vehicles, regardless of whether they are new or used, can help to prolong the operational life of the vehicle. The following five types of maintenance should be prioritised by car owners to maximise the operational life of their car’s engine.
Change Oil on a Regular Basis
The primary function of oil is to provide lubrication to the moving parts of the engine, thereby decreasing friction and overheating of the engine. Oil deteriorates over time and becomes contaminated with dirt and debris. When oil hasn’t been changed on a consistent basis, the engine has to work harder, which accelerates the wear on the engine’s components. Most automobile manufacturers recommend that you routinely change your vehicle’s oil between 3,000 to 7,500 miles, depending on the type of oil you are using and your driving habits.
Check Fluids Regularly
In addition to oil, there are several other fluids critical to the safe and efficient operation of your vehicle. These fluids include:
- Brake Fluid
- Transmission Fluid
- Coolant (or Antifreeze)
- Power Steering Fluid
- Windshield Washer Fluid.
Maintaining Your Tires
Your tires are the only component of your vehicle that has direct contact with the ground. Therefore, the condition of your tires has a huge impact on the safety of your vehicle, its ability to perform, and how long it lasts.
Proper care for your tires includes:
- Rotating them regularly approximately every 5000-7000 miles
- Keeping them inflated at the correct pressure
- Making sure that your aligning wheels are properly aligned and balanced.
Maintaining the Cooling System of Your Vehicle
The cooling system in your vehicle plays a critical role in keeping your engine from overheating. Overheating is one of the most common reasons why a vehicle will suffer major mechanical failures. A coolant fluid draws heat away from the engine and releases it through the radiator. Just like all other fluids in your vehicle, coolant will begin to lose its effectiveness and become contaminated over time. It is important to change the coolant every 30,000 miles (though this can differ depending on your manufacturer’s recommendations) to ensure that the coolant remains clean and effective.
Brakes Maintenance
Brakes are an important safety feature of a vehicle; however, their condition and maintenance has a direct impact on all the other components in the vehicle. Worn braking pads can create an increase in the amount of stress on the rotors or calipers, leading to excessive wear or ultimately an expensive repair. If you experience noise coming from your braking system, such as squeaking or grinding, or you experience any type of vibration when using your brakes you should have them checked.
In summary, the way to extend the life of your auto isn’t through complicated knowledge of how cars work, but rather through consistency in performing the basic maintenance services, such as changing oil, rotating tires and checking/change coolant. By consistently completing these tasks, you can prolong the life of your auto and reduce the amount you spend on car maintenance/repair costs. A well-maintained automobile will not only provide a longer service life but also provide you with improved performance, a safer driving experience, and long-term reliability.