What’s the secret to extending your vehicle’s lifespan? 

There isn’t one thing you can do. Instead, it’s a series of little things you choose to do every day that over a lifetime add up. 

While you can make the most difference if you start with a new car from day one, even an older car can become more reliable if you make changes and keep it well-maintained. 

Research shows that burning one gallon of gas emits 8,887 grams of CO2. For a standard midsize car that travels 12,000 miles, it emits 11,000 pounds of CO2. 

What if you could make a difference in how your car operates? What if it also extended your car’s lifespan? Win/win! This is how you do it. 

Create a Maintenance Schedule and Stick To It

There’s a reason the advice of replacing your motor oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles is drilled into you … It works. If you bring fresh oil into your car’s engine every few thousand miles, your car is less likely to have problems over time. Parts will stay lubricated. Motor oil will flow without issue. And your engine will stay safe no matter what the drive holds for the day. 

But it’s not just your motor oil in question. It’s every part that comes together and makes your car run well. 

Regular maintenance means topping off or replacing fluids. Replacing oil and air filters. Checking brake pads and replacing them periodically. Checking your suspension and steering. Keeping tire pressure at proper levels. 

It’s all of this and more. 

Your owner’s manual is a great place to start. It can give you a checklist of when you should look at each system, each part. If you can’t find it, you’ll find it online. A quick search will lead you to a wealth of information about your vehicle’s make and model. 

Be sure to keep records of all work you’ve had done, and hang onto your receipts. In some cases, they can provide valuable information about the history of your car. This can also be a bonus if you sell a car – people pay extra for cars with a proven track record. 

Make It A Habit To Check Your Fluids

Your car has a bunch of different fluids in it that make your car go. 

• Motor oil lubricates and cools the engine components.
• Transmission fluid lubricates the gears and provides hydraulic pressure for automatic transmissions.
• Coolant or antifreeze regulates the engine’s temperature and prevents overheating. 
• Brake fluid transfers force from the brake pedal to the brake pads, enabling the braking process to occur. 
• Power steering fluid provides hydraulic assistance to make steering easier. 
• Differential fluid lubricates the differential gears. 
• Windshield washer fluid cleans the windshield for clear visibility.
• Fuel powers the engine and makes your car go. 

You can’t make a car go without gas. That’s one fluid every driver knows to put in or pay the consequences somewhere out on the road. Pay attention to quality, selecting reputable servicing stations that offer quality gas. It makes a difference. 

The other fluids may not be as regular or as noticeable, but they are equally important. This isn’t something you have to check yourself. Scheduling a regular maintenance visit with one of our mechanics will ensure every system in your vehicle is ready to go. 

Drive Safely Every Day

This may seem obvious, but it goes a lot deeper than keeping your eyes on the road. The more care you put into your drive, the more you’ll see it show up in a reliable car that doesn’t slow you down when you least expect it. 

It starts by doing a “flight check” every time you drive. When you start up your car, does it sound right? Do you notice lights on the dashboard, noises that you’ve never heard before, or smells you know aren’t quite right? Don’t ignore any warning signs. You can see if it repeats throughout the day, but if it does and you notice it continually, it’s a sign to schedule a maintenance visit. 

Then, become a more considerate driver. Don’t race your car’s engine when you start, especially if it’s cold outside. Accelerate slowly as you begin to drive, giving your car a chance to warm up. Put less strain on your vehicle by avoiding high speeds and accelerating quickly, especially in very hot or cold conditions. 

Avoid those short tips throughout the day by consolidating your drive. Most of the wear and tear takes place in the first few minutes of driving. It also adds more pollution to the air. If you can consolidate them, doing several errands at once, it helps you become a better driver. And helps your car out too. 

Care For Your Tires

Tires are one of the most vulnerable parts on your vehicle. Why? Because they are in constant connection with the road. Hit a pothole, and it can impact many parts throughout your car. Curbing the tires can impact your tires, wheels, and drivetrain. The wrong air pressure can put your safety at risk. 

With that much riding on your tires, isn’t it a wonder in all they can do?

It should also motivate you to want to keep them in the best possible condition. Most experts agree that checking your tire pressure a couple times a month is best to prevent damage. Soft tires can quickly overheat, or even blow out when you’re out on the road. 

If your dashboard alerts you to varying tire pressure, take notice. Even slight variations can have a noticeable effect on your drive. If there’s a problem, get it checked out. 

How Do You Extend The Lifespan of Your Vehicle? 

Extending the lifespan of your vehicle isn’t a cut-and-dry procedure. There are guidelines you can follow, as well as go with your gut feelings. 

Want an auto service that will help you stay on top of the most important things? Our family-operated business will help you prioritize your vehicle’s maintenance items, helping you keep your car in the best condition possible. 

How can we help you with your car today?