How to extend the life of your car

Congratulations on your new car! You did an awesome job researching on the price, engine, safety ratings and fuel consumption, and now, you’re to find out ways to take care of it. A prized possession demands mindful safekeeping and when it comes to your car, you need to be extra proactive as paying frequent visits to the car mechanic can significantly add to your maintenance cost. Here are a few tips which if followed can extend the life of your car:

Read the owner’s manual

You won’t be doing this twice, but before it lands up in the waste paper pile, read your owner’s manual carefully. It tells you how to use an important function, when to change the filters and fluids, and what should ideally be the maintenance schedule. Try to follow the recommendations and plan your upcoming car service workshop visits accordingly.

Keep up with the repairs

Don’t keep putting off repairs even if they are minor in nature. Damages not mended in time can weigh heavy on wallets. For instance, ignoring regular squeals of breaks may lead to reduced braking power. Similarly, driving around with a faulty water pump may result in engine overheating and severe damage. So, before it’s too late, take your four-wheeler to the nearest car service workshop and get them fixed right away.

Extra: Drive into the nearest car service workshop when it’s time to change the filters.

Change oil and check fluid levels

You are unlikely to let corrosive sludge reduce the efficiency of your car engine. So, change your oil every 5,000 to 7,500 km or as recommended by the manufacturer and keep the engine cool and well-lubricated. Also, keep a check on the levels of the coolant, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid. These fluids are critical for your car’s performance. So, have them flushed or topped off by a car mechanic at regular intervals.

Extra: Avoid filling up fuel from a recently replenished petrol station as stirred up sediment in its underground tank can clog your filters.

Maintain tyre pressure

There can’t be a bigger frustration than having flat tyres on the road. To avoid such spoilers, inspect your tyre pressure on a regular basis. Maintaining tyre pressure also improves a car’s fuel efficiency.

Extra: Keep an eye on your car’s tyre tread depth. Law requires it to be at least 1.5mm.

Keep it clean inside-out

Driving in a clean, good-smelling vehicle enhances the pleasure of a journey. So, have your car washed and waxed at the nearest car service centre, change seat covers, clear the litter inside, and replenish the air freshener pot at regular intervals. Cleaning will also help you retain your car’s high resale value.

Finally, make disciplined driving a habit. If you drive responsibly your machine will also reward you with longer uptimes. Racing and putting a strain on the engine will only shorten the life of your car.

Let the kilometres add up, no worries. Go for timely car service and keep enjoying your drive without having to spend unexpectedly.