Top tips for extending the life of your car
It’s worthwhile keeping in mind a few regular maintenance items you can manage yourself to keep your car in tip-top condition and retain its value as long as possible.
Familiarise yourself with the owner’s manual – Take the time to review the recommended maintenance schedule for your particular vehicle. Follow it religiously where possible and use quality oil, fluids and parts.
Act immediately on any warning lights – It’s quite common for drivers to ignore warning lights when they start the car, and similarly strange noises and smells coming from their vehicles. Even if money is tight, it’s worth getting these issues checked out by a reputable mechanic. None of these things will go away by themselves, and a repair later is likely to be more expensive than a repair now.
Protect your car from the damaging effects of the sun – Whenever possible, park your vehicle in the shade or inside a garage. By making that extra effort, you’ll safeguard your car’s paint and interior.
Check your oil and coolant regularly – By doing this, you’ll find out about leaks sooner rather than later, and you’ll sidestep the problems that can be caused by low levels. Regular, timely oil changes can help you avoid costly repairs.
Check your tyre pressure regularly – Proper tyre inflation will help them handle better and last longer, and it will assist in getting the most out of a tank of petrol. It’s also a good idea to have your tyres checked for wear regularly.
Properly align and balance your tyres – Having your wheels properly aligned and balanced makes tyres last longer. It is a good idea to rotate them every 10,000 km to preserve them. If you frequently drive at high speeds or often negotiate tight turns in parking areas, this should be done even sooner.
Pay attention to the way you drive – Aggressive driving, hard stopping, accelerating to stops and riding the brakes or clutch can make almost everything on your vehicle wear out early and also can hurt your fuel economy.
Reduce the number of short trips you make – Cold starts cause the most wear on your engine. One way to avoid an unnecessary number of cold starts and save fuel at the same time is to run errands with efficiency. Try saving all your errands for one morning or afternoon and planning out your trip ahead of time. Consolidate drives to locations that are close to each other. If possible, park your car in one spot and walk when you get there.
Keep it clean – You’ll help your vehicle retain its value and appeal if you clean it regularly, both inside and out. Sap, road tar and salt can all make your paint deteriorate more rapidly. Regular waxing also can help your paint job hold up nicely and can stave off rust and other unsightly blemishes.
Replace your timing belt in accordance with your vehicle manufacturer's recommendations – This is generally about every 100,000 km. When in doubt, check your owner's manual.