Once you’ve bought a brand new car, you want it to last as long as possible. Not only because cars are expensive, but because you’ve no doubt spent so much time researching and selecting your new set of wheels that want it to be around for a good while.
The longevity of a car depends to some extent on the quality and make of the vehicle itself. But a more significant factor in the matter is how well you look after it. If you drive badly and never get it cleaned, it should come as no surprise that it will fail on you a lot sooner than you’d like. But if you take extra care with your car, you can greatly extend its life span.
With this goal in mind, here are five ways to prolong the life of your car.
Keep it clean
For a lot of people, when they buy a new car they spend the first few months keeping it sparkling clean before their standards slip and they let it fall into disrepair. Don’t let this happen to your vehicle. If you keep it as clean as possible, you will reduce the risk of rust building up which can eat into the metalwork. Give it a full wash regularly, and take extra care to clean it if you’ve been driving on dusty, wet, or muddy roads. This care will go a long way towards extending its life.
Fix issues quickly
If you hear a rattle from your rear suspension or notice a chip in your windscreen, don’t leave it until the problem becomes worse. A chip can turn into a crack, and a dodgy suspension could turn into a written-off car. The minute you spot something that isn’t right, you should book it in for a repair. You’re going to have to get it sorted out eventually, so why not do it right away and nip the problem in the bud before it creates further issues?
Drive carefully
If you drive too fast and aggressively, you are causing undue wear on your vehicle. Everything from your suspension to your tires to your air transmission cooler will feel the effects. By being a safer and more careful driver, you can keep your car running for a lot longer. As well as reducing your speed, you could also employ techniques such as accelerating more slowly and not keeping your car idling when stopped.
Get it serviced regularly
How often do you take your car in for a service? You should ideally get it serviced at least once a year, as well as before any long road trips. This way you increase the likelihood of spotting any potentially catastrophic issues early and keep it constantly in perfect condition.
Avoid unnecessary trips
Driving your car less might not be the most appealing solution, but it is a surefire way to ensure its longevity. It’s common sense that the more you drive it, the faster you’ll wear it out. That’s not to say you shouldn’t drive your car at all, but for short trips where your destination is within walking distance, you could do with leaving your car keys at home. You’ll not only be extending the life of your car; you’ll be saving money and the environment as well.
