8 Tips To Increase The Lifespan Of Your Car
Purchasing a car is a significant investment, and it can be pretty expensive. You’re not just paying for the vehicle itself, but you’ve got to take care of the insurance, the upkeep, and the fuel. Understandably you’ll want a durable car that lasts, to help you increase the lifespan of your car there are many different things that you do. Here are eight great ideas to get you started.
1 . Replace your leads and spark plugs
Replacing your leads and spark plugs is a simple maintenance task which you should be able to do yourself. Replacing both of these will help you to improve vehicle performance. When you’re checking a spark plug ensure that it has an insulator, and an electrode (this is usually a light brown color). The spark plug should have no deposits or signs of damage. You should also ensure that the spark plug hasn’t melted slightly. If there’s a gap between the insulator and the electrode this might mean that your engine isn’t performing correctly.
When you’re inspecting your leads, look for signs of wear and tear or cracks. Reference the guidelines in your vehicle handbook, if you’re not confident to replace your leads your local garage can do this for you.
2. Keep your fluids topped up
You must replenish your fluids regularly, when you need to check the engine oil you can lift the bonnet and take out the dipstick. You’re looking for the oil level to be somewhere between the max and min markers. If you have a petrol engine the oil should be light brown/yellowish, if it’s a darker color you should replace it. If you have a diesel car, dark-colored oil is no issue. You should also check your coolant reservoir, this should be filled up with equal parts of antifreeze and distilled water. Both the engine oil and the coolant should be checked around every two weeks.
3. Inspect your tires
New tires have a tread depth of about 8-9mm, the law states that you can keep your tires until they have a tread of 1.6mm, any lower and you’ll need to replace your tires. It’s best to change your tires when they are around 2-3mm. When you have less tread, your tires are less effective.
To check your tires you can use a tread depth gauge, you’ll be able to pick one of these up at an automotive part store. These are easy to use, simply find a groove in the tread and insert the probe, press the device flat and you should be able to read the result. You can also get apps that monitor your tire pressure, such as Smart TPMS.
4. Regular servicing
To keep your car in great condition you’ll need to have it serviced regularly. Experts recommend that you should have a service once every year, or every 10,000 miles. Your vehicle handbook will give you more information about when you’ll need to have your car serviced. A standard service will include checking for fluid leaks, the engine oil, tires, brake wear, and exhaust emissions. Your mechanic will also check the steering, horn and wipers, suspension, lights, gearbox, and the clutch.
5. Paint Protection Film
To prolong the lifespan of your vehicle you should invest in paint protection film. Sometimes referred to as car wrap, PPF is a type of clear film which is applied on top of the paintwork, the idea is to protect the paint from scratches, chips, and harsh weather. Paint protection film activates using heat and has self-healing properties.
When the paintwork becomes chipped and damaged this decreases the value of your car, plus it looks rather unsightly. With the right PPF, you’ll retain value and keep your car looking great.
6. Maintain adequate fuel levels
When your fuel levels are low the fuel pump starts to consume sediment, debris, and air from the bottom of the tank. These materials end up clogging your system, if this happens too often, your filters and pump may start to corrode. You’ll need to be especially careful if you have a diesel car, (these are particularly sensitive to low fuel levels).
Keeping an eye on your fuel consumption can also help you to save money. Try downloading the GasBuddy app, the app offers plenty of tips about how you can reduce your fuel consumption, and save a few dollars.
7. Drive carefully
Often the simplest actions are the most effective, if you want to increase the lifespan of your car, you should drive as carefully as possible. Avoid racing your engine when you start your car, accelerate slowly and gradually, to avoid putting strain on your engine. Switch to a neutral position when you’re at red lights, and avoid driving too fast.
If you need some support to improve your driving habits you might consider taking a defensive drivers course. These courses help you to improve your safety, and predict the actions of surrounding drivers.
8. Find a reputable dealer
When you’re buying a used car you’ll need to ensure that you’re buying from a reputable dealer. You’ll want to get a history of the vehicle, to make sure that the car is up to the standard that you require. Ensure that you test drive the vehicle, and are happy with how many miles are on the clock. Purchasing second-hand cars can help you to save money, but you’ll want to choose a vehicle that’s in great condition. How do you find a reputable dealer? Conduct plenty of research, and check out lots of reviews and testimonials. You might also like to ask your friends and family if they have any recommendations.
There are plenty of ways that you can make your vehicle last. Increasing the lifespan of your car will help to save you money in the long run. From regular maintenance checks to paint protection film, it’s up to you to keep your car in great condition.
