How long do you think your latest car will last for? Two years? Five years – maybe even ten? Of course, it all depends on how many miles you rack up – but it also depends on how you keep it.
One thing you will notice about those classic cars that you see on the road – usually on a Sunday – is that they all look great. They are loved, looked after, and cared for. And if you do the same for your current vehicle, who’s to say it won’t last you for just as long a time?
Here’re a few ideas for keeping your car in tip-top condition – for life.
Keep it clean
Let’s start with the basics. A clean car shows you actually care about it. If it’s filled with empty crisp packets, drinks bottles and debris, it’s a sure sign that you are a careless owner. And, should one of those empty bottles suddenly end up in the foot well, it could end up causing a serious accident. So, your first step is to change your attitude about car cleaning. Do it yourself, or get someone to valet it for you – it doesn’t matter which.
Maintain it well
Next, make sure you have regular maintenance checks on your car. Once a year is okay, but if you want to spot problems early, then two, or maybe three, times a year will be even better. You can get a care plan from your local garage, which will keep your costs down. And, when something goes wrong – and it inevitably will – it will be far less expensive if it hasn’t had a chance to develop. Think fine-tuning rather than patching her up.
DIY checks
There are lots of things you should be doing to your vehicle yourself, which will keep its performance going. And, of course, it will stop serious issues developing. Change your oil as often as you can – the details should be in your owner’s manual. You’ll also find your ideal tyre pressure in there – so check it every two or three weeks and keep them at the optimum pressure. Also, keep an eye on all the other fluids that are in your car’s tanks. Topping up your water, coolant, transmission fluid and everything else will help your car last a few more years.
Drive it well
How well do you drive your car? Be honest – do you thrash it about the place? Are you always putting the brakes on sharply? And do you make the engine roar because you are revving it too much? Well, you need to stop it unless you want to send your car – and maybe yourself – to an early grave. You should always keep your revs beneath 2,500-3000, to get optimal fuel efficiency. Approach junctions and lights slowly, without using your brakes – as long as it’s safe, of course. These are all little things to consider – but over a year, month, and even a day, they soon add up.
Ready to give your car a new lease of life? Get it serviced, clean her up, and you might be surprised how many more miles you can eke out of the old girl yet.