For most people, buying a car is one of the most significant investments you will make. Not just that, but the chances are you will be using it daily to get from one place to another so you want to make sure you can do so safely. That is exactly why you want a durable car which you can rely on for a long period of time. But like most machines, the lifespan of a car depends on how well you maintain it. Proper maintenance not only avoids depreciation but helps your car last longer. We have some tips for you to help you achieve this feat.

1. Change fluids on a regular basis

The fluids in your car are the blood to the beating heart of its engine. It all starts with the engine oil; you need to make sure that you change your engine oil on a regular basis. You should check the oil at least once a month to make sure it is clean and not running low. This can be done by checking the oil dipstick. Running your car on dirty or low oil decreases the engine’s efficiency and also has a negative impact on its longevity. The other fluid you want to pay close attention to is the coolant. Make sure you have enough coolant in the reservoir so the radiator can keep your engine cool, preventing it from heating up especially on hot summer days, when you have the AC on full blast.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nG2KJ_ytOCM

2. Stick to the service schedule

The manual of the car outlines a specific schedule for maintenance. When getting your car serviced, mechanics make sure to check how well all the major components function. They check each part from the tyre and the timing belt to the fluids to ensure they don’t need to be topped up. The service schedule is based on your car’s mileage. Depending on the car, a trip to the mechanic for service should happen every 6,000 to 12,000 miles. It’s important that you have your car serviced by a trusted mechanic to ensure your car’s longevity.

3. Drive with care

Your car, like everything you love, needs to be handled with care. The rougher you are, the more it wears down. Driving with a “pedal to the metal” mentality such as braking harshly, accelerating aggressively and getting high revs before changing gears can have dire consequences on the engine. t’s not all about the engine; components like the gearbox and steering also need to be handled with care. Keep in mind that driving with care isn’t just good for your car but the environment also.

4. Purchase OEM parts for the car

Who knows the car better than the manufacturer? So, why would you want to take the risk of not installing original equipment manufacturer parts? Car manufacturers spend a lot on both research and development. They do this so they can provide you with a vehicle that is reliable and the same is the case with parts. So while you may think that saving a few pounds now is great, aftermarket parts may actually end up doing more damage than good in the long-run. They may not be up to the same standard as aftermarket manufacturers don’t always invest in R&D. Plus, there is always that added benefit of your car’s value not depreciating due to using aftermarket parts over OEM.

The lifespan of your car is directly linked to how well you take care of it. So if you want to avoid depreciation and want it running for decades, be sure to follow the four tips above.