A road vehicle is a complex piece of machinery that will, over the course of its lifespan, have to deal with a variety of challenges. On countless occasions, it will be expected to pull away from a standing start, come to a stop, or move through the gears as it joins traffic on a busy motorway. The impact that all of these things have on the engine, and the vehicle as a whole, can be considerable. Then there’s the effect of being left outdoors for years on end.
Through the right measures, however, you can limit the damage, improve the performance of your car, and ultimately extend its lifespan. But exactly what are these measures?
Regular Maintenance Checks
For a car to enjoy the maximum possible lifespan, it will need to be serviced regularly. The manufacturer might have outlined exactly how often the service interval will be. If you’re driving a lot of miles, then more frequent, interim services might serve as a great complement to annual ones. Doing this will help you to spot problems early, and to avoid major repair bills later on.
Maintain Proper Tire Care
The tires on your car deserve special attention. This is the part of the vehicle that actually contacts the surface of the road.
To function properly, tires will need to be regularly reinflated. You can either do this at home, or you can do it at your local petrol station. Investing in a pump might help you to lower the cost in the long run, and keep your tires more consistently inflated.
The tread depth of your tire tends to be an excellent proxy for its performance. By the time that the tread approaches the legal minimum of 1.6mm, its stopping power will be considerably reduced. Consider getting the tire changed before then.
Look for a seller near you. If you’re going to be doing a lot of driving in very cold weather, then swapping to winter tires might be worth considering.
Adopt Smooth Driving Habits
The smoother your driving, the less strain you’ll put on the vehicle. This will not only help to extend the lifespan of the vehicle; it will also improve your fuel efficiency, and make the car more environmentally friendly.
Smooth driving tends to equate to watching the road ahead, anticipating future changes, and keeping your speed steady. Avoid sudden braking and acceleration, and the vehicle will thank you in the long run.
Keep the Vehicle Clean
When grime, dirt, and other debris are allowed to accumulate on the body of the car, then it will create an opportunity for rust to set in. This could, in the long term, spell a premature end for your vehicle. Get into the habit of washing the vehicle, and taking pride in the way that it looks. The same applies to the interior, where the condition of the upholstery and electronics can have a major impact on the lifespan of the car.
Monitor Fluid Levels and Quality
We’ve already mentioned the value of periodic servicing. But there are also checks you can perform yourself. Learn how to monitor the levels of essential fluids, like oils, brake fluids, and coolants. Then make sure that you top them up appropriately.
