July 27 2023,
Modern vehicles are engineering marvels, and with proper care and attention, they can provide many years of trouble-free driving. However, the opposite is also true: a car that’s not looked after can fall prey to problem after problem, costing time and money in the process. The great news is that following a few simple steps will help ensure your car runs smoothly for years to come, maximizing its lifetime before any replacement is needed. Below, we have provided a few tips on how to maximize your car’s lifespan and keep it running in the best condition possible.
1) Regular Oil and Filter Changes
Oil is a vital lubricant for many of your engine’s moving parts, protecting them from wearing out through friction. But as the oil ages, it becomes thicker and dirtier, and the protection levels slowly drop. Replacing the oil on schedule is essential for the long-term health of your vehicle. The oil filter should always be changed at the same time to ensure a completely fresh start.
2) Get Tire Inspections and Rotations
Badly inflated or worn tires put the steering, suspension, and braking systems under extra pressure, as they need to fight harder to keep the car driving straight. All these engineering areas are essential for safety and longevity, so make sure your tires are correctly inflated, rotated as needed, and replaced when necessary.
3) Protection from the Elements
Canada’s changing seasons can take their toll on a vehicle’s bodywork. Hot summer sun degrades softer plastic and rubber parts, while winter snow and grit can quickly lead to corrosion if they meet small cracks in the paintwork. If you can, park undercover at all times. But if this isn’t possible, use a car cover to protect your vehicle from the worst of the elements.
4) Keep an Eye on Fuel Levels
Protecting your car means using the type of fuel that’s recommended in the owner’s manual. But that’s not the only fuel consideration. It’s also important not to let tank levels fall too low during everyday driving. Even with the best fuel formulas, contaminants build up at the bottom of the tank over years of driving. When you’re running on near-empty, these impurities feed into the engine, putting it under far greater strain than necessary and working the exhaust system harder, both of which speed up wear and tear.
5) Drive Carefully
Today, most vehicles can deliver excellent performance, with even smaller models offering surging acceleration at the touch of the pedal. But for the longest life, they should be driven smoothly and carefully as much as possible. Slower acceleration and braking are easier on the engineering, and lower speeds make bumps in the road less damaging. What’s more, driving more smoothly will reduce your fuel bills, as well as keep you safer.
6) Frequent Servicing
Booking service appointments according to the schedule in the owner’s manual is essential. Regular servicing will catch many small problems while they’re still cheap and easy to fix, while providing the preventative maintenance needed to keep larger issues from building up. It’s especially important to book an early service if you suspect a fault is developing, rather than waiting until the next scheduled appointment to get it checked.
Book a Service Appointment at Your Nearest Dilawri Dealership Today!
Modern cars are vastly more reliable than in the past, but by paying attention to these easy care and maintenance tips, you can give your vehicle all the support it needs for a longer lifespan. Visit a Service Centre at your nearest Dilawri dealership to ensure everything remains in working order today.
