Buying a new car is a big step for everyone. It’s primarily a joyous moment, as you have ditched the previous car that had its fair share of problems. Still, buying a new car also comes with plenty of worries and trepidations.
First of all, we are worried about whether the car is going to remain reliable until we are ready to buy the next one. Back in 2006 US citizens bought cars every 4.3 years on average. These days things are a bit different.
Americans tend to hold on to their vehicles for 6.5 years on average. This is a substantial jump, so it’s important to consider what you can do to help your car remain in optimal driving shape over this period of time
We’ve prepared a list of practical tips you can resort to if you want to improve your new vehicle’s longevity.
- Oil and filters are your friends (if you change them regularly)
Every driver should know this but we have to start from the basics. The oil in your car needs to be changed regularly, as its mineral purity deteriorates over time. The filters are there to purify the oil which circulates and cleans your engine so it can run smoothly.
Filters get dirty over time and so does the oil, which is why you need to change it every 5,000 miles to keep your engine running smoothly. There’s nothing worse you can do to your new vehicle than neglecting this, except maybe totaling your car in a drunken haze.
- Tires and rims are consumables
There is a big difference in the way a car behaves and under how much stress its suspension is with new tires and rims on compared to running on old ones. With old tires and rims, the grip is a lot worse and the entire car “works harder” to keep the car balanced and driving safe.
The average driving distance tires can go through before they become worn stands somewhere between 25,000 miles and 50,000 miles. Still, you should consult your manual when it comes to this and the same goes for the rims.
- Transmission fluid is critical
Unlike regular oil, transmission fluid doesn’t need to be changed that often. Still, if it goes stale and you don’t notice, it can cause a lot of problems for you. Bad transmission fluid can cause overheating and internal damage. Every so often, pull out the transmission stick and if it’s any other color than reddish/pink or you smell a strong odor, it’s time to change it.
- Keep your cooling system cool
Engines produce a lot of heat when they working and this heat can be additionally intensified by hot weather. If your cooling system isn’t doing its job, your engine parts can literally melt away – this is no joke. Check your cooling hoses and ensure that you have proper cooling liquid at all times to avoid any issues.
- Manual, Schedule, and Mechanic
These three things are the holy trinity of car well-being. The manual is there to help you get to know your car and is filled with important tips from the manufacturer to help you keep it in good shape. The schedule is important so you don’t forget those recommendations and keep up with when maintenance of a particular part of your car is due.
A good mechanic is there to perform that maintenance. It’s important to find a mechanic who is experienced and skilled so you can always visit the same shop and have the same people maintain your car.
- Your garage
Where you keep your car when you are not driving it is also a big factor in how long it will last. Standard garages are all well and fine but not everyone has a garage as a part of their house. If this is the situation you find your self in, you might want to go to Google for help and search for “metal carports near me”. They are not expensive and they will keep your car safe and in good shape.
These are some of the general tips that will help you keep your new vehicle running smoothly. Always consult your mechanic when in doubt about something and make sure you drive your car responsibly – many drivers forget to factor themselves in when calculating their car’s longevity.