If you’re wondering how to extend the lifetime of your car, you’ve come to the right place. It’s important to take good care of your motor to ensure you get the most value out of your spend.
There are plenty of tips and tricks to help your car stay working for longer and reduce your overall motoring consumption. We’ve listed our top recommendations for keeping your vehicle running for as long as possible.
Regular maintenance
Performing routine maintenance can ensure your car remains in good working order and prevents the likelihood of breakdowns. Instead of waiting until your annual service and MOTs, it’s good practice to tackle any small issues early on and check parts at home.
Even just spending five minutes carrying out simple checks every so often can potentially save you a lot of time and money in the long run, as well as keeping you safe on the roads. Having the right multi-car insurance ensures you and your motor are protected in the event of an accident, too.
Reduce speed
Driving smoothly and reducing your speed where necessary can not only save you money, but it can help to extend your car’s lifetime by putting less stress on the vehicle’s components. It will also help to make your fuel go further, which is incredibly useful considering the current high fuel costs. Practicing good driving habits, such as steering carefully, using your gears responsibly, and avoiding harsh braking can make all the difference.
Use it or lose it
If you don’t drive your car for long periods, this can have a serious effect on the battery, causing it to degrade and go flat. If you do have to leave your car in the garage for an extended period, consider using a trickle charger to keep the battery topped up. Jump-starting your car can add strain to the battery and may cause damage to the engine management system, so it’s important to avoid this where possible. You should also use your air-con system regularly too, even in winter. If it’s out of use, this could cause refrigerant gas leaks, which are expensive to fix.
Keep it clean
Cleaning your car every few weeks can help to remove any debris, dirt and salt. Rust can act as a threat to your vehicle and could potentially contribute to long-term health issues and overall resale value, so it’s important to give the car a thorough wash. Plus, cleaning your car can help you identify any small problems or breakages that may have gone unnoticed otherwise. Driving around in a sparkling car is always a nice feeling too!