06 Oct 4 Easy Ways To Help Extend the Life of Your Car
The average age of cars in the United Kingdom has reached a record high, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The average age of a car stands at 8.4 years as drivers look to hold on to their cars for longer. There are many benefits of holding on to a car, including avoiding the high cost of purchasing a new car and the sentimental value that many people have for their cars.
If you are looking to get the most out of your current car, this blog post is for you. Here, we will highlight 4 easy ways to help extend the life of your car. This includes following its maintenance schedule, regularly checking the car’s fluids, listening out for unusual noises, and paying attention to your driving style.
1. Don’t Ignore the Maintenance Schedule
You will be able to find your car’s regular maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual. Your mechanic will also be able to advise on a suitable maintenance schedule to keep your car in good working order.
Approximately every 3 months or 3,000 miles you should check the car’s fluids, tyre pressure, hoses, belts, and interior/exterior cleanliness. At around every 6 months or 5,000 miles, you should perform an oil and filter change, tire rotation, and check the lights, fuel filter, battery, wipers, and cabin and engine air filters.
And every 12 months or 10,000 miles, perform a synthetic oil and filter change, check alignment, and inspect the brakes.
2. Regularly Check the Car’s Fluids
It is worth expanding on the point of checking the car’s fluid regularly, given how important this is to its smooth running. This is especially important for older vehicles. When it comes to fluids, you should regularly check all of the following:
- Engine oil level
- Coolant
- Windshield washer fluid
- Brake fluid level
- Power steering fluid
- Transmission fluid
Catching a fluid problem early will save you time, money, and hassle in the long run.
3. Pay Attention to Your Driving Style
There are certain types of driving that can both hurt your car’s fuel economy and make everything wear out faster. For example, hard stopping, aggressive driving, and riding the brakes or clutch can have a negative effect on your car.
Driving smoothly includes using appropriate acceleration, anticipating braking and acceleration points, and taking the smoothest line when cornering.
4. Listen for Unusual Noises
Is your car making an unusual noise when accelerating, braking, turning, reversing, or while it is idle? Depending on the kind of noise, it could be a sign of a specific issue that requires an inspection.
If you hear clunking, rattling, rumbling, grinding, or scraping noises, you should schedule an inspection without delay. Ignoring these noises is going to have an impact on the lifespan of your car.
Easy Ways To Help Extend the Life of Your Car
The above maintenance tips will help you to extend the life of your car and save you money and hassle in the long run. If you are ever unsure of an issue related to your car, it is recommended that you consult with a professional mechanic.
AutoDeutsche is the leading German car specialise in London, located in Camden. Contact us today if you require repair, service or MOT for your car.