How To Make Your Car Last For A Lifetime

Updated July 2, 2020

As cars become more technologically adept, drivers are better able to maintain their automobiles with computer-enhanced maintenance prompts on many vehicle dashboards. Even many quality used vehicles are equipped with modern car maintenance tools. They will alert the driver when auto care is needed. 

Examples of standard electronic sensors drivers can rely on include tire pressure indicators, oil change reminders, and clogged air filter warnings.

Advances in technology in the automobile industry mean we are seeing an end to days when drivers paid attention to oil changes and routine maintenance of their vehicles. However, while vehicles deliver more maintenance information to car owners than ever before, it’s still vital for car owners to take the necessary steps to keep vehicles in excellent condition.

Old-school vehicle maintenance actions — such as regularly checking the oil, tire pressure, and transmission fluid, may seem trivial to many, but they are vital in maintaining a well-conditioned car. The following is a detailed guideline on what to do to keep a properly functioning car.

Follow Your Vehicle’s Service Schedule

You should try and follow the vehicle maintenance schedule as laid out by your mechanic to the letter. They know more about your car, so they know what’s best. You should also follow your car manufacturers’ schedule if they provided you with one. This will prolong your car’s lifespan because auto parts and damages will be repaired before causing havoc.

Also, pay attention to the service indicator lights on the dashboard of your car. When an indicator light goes on, be sure to check your owner’s manual to understand what the light means and take the necessary steps to resolve it.

If you don’t have the owner’s manual, look it up. Most manuals are available online these days.

Don’t forget to schedule routine car maintenance appointments with a trusted, licensed auto mechanic. To maintain a properly functioning engine, don’t skimp on car maintenance or wait until there is a noticeable problem with your vehicle.

Check Fluids and Tire Pressure Regularly

The simple task of checking your engine fluids and vehicle tire pressure will take less than ten minutes of your time. Not only will it help you understand more about your vehicle’s condition and maintenance needs, but, it will also help track your vehicle’s maintenance history. A well-documented vehicle history adds to a car or trucks’ resale value.

How to Check Your Engine’s Fluids

• Engine Oil. Check the oil levels by looking at the dipstick. Take the dipstick out, wipe it clean, and reinsert it. Take it out once more to get a more accurate measure of your oil levels.
• Coolant/Water Levels. Inspect the coolant reservoir and ensure the liquid level is not below the minimum line.
• Brake Fluid. Ensure your brake fluid levels are proper by looking into the brake fluid reservoir.
• Power Steering Fluid. Check to make sure your engine’s power steering fluid is at an optimal level.
• Transmission Fluid. Start the engine before checking manual or automatic transmission fluid levels.

While checking your engine’s fluids, take a moment and give your engine a proper look. Look at the vehicle’s belts and hoses for signs of wear and tear. The final step in this check is using a pressure gauge to make sure each of your tires has the proper air pressure level. Do this check regularly to get a better sense of your car’s needs.

Give Your Car Time to Warm Up 

Giving your car time to warm before driving is a good way to prevent unnecessary wear and tear caused by driving with a cold engine. Even in our gentle climate on Vancouver Island, allowing a Victoria car engine to warm up for a minute or two is a good idea.

When you park your car for a couple of hours, the engine turns cold. This results in little or no oil left on the moving parts of the engine. When you start up your vehicle, give it a few minutes to warm up. This essentially means you need to give the oil pump time to adequately lubricate an engine. Maintain low rpm levels during this period. 

After sufficient time has passed, you can drive the vehicle. It is important to note that the time it takes for the engine to warm up is directly affected by how long you parked the car and the weather conditions.

Don’t Panic Over Wear and Tear

Don’t panic when things start to break down. Parts suffer from wear and tear on every car. By sticking to this simple guide and trusting your mechanic’s advice, you will easily extend your vehicle’s lifespan. For more useful tips and information to help you extend your vehicle’s life, subscribe to our newsletter.