5 Tips to Help Your Vehicle Last Longer 

Along with your home, a car purchase will likely be one of the biggest financial decisions that you will ever make. But, unlike your house, which will more than likely go up in value over time, your vehicle will do just the opposite. But, with regular maintenance and occasional TLC, you will not only be able to slow depreciation, but you will also enjoy the benefit of having it last longer and run smoother. Here are five tips to help you make your car, truck, or SUV last longer and run better throughout its life.

1) Warm Your Car Up Each Morning
Did you know that cold starts cause the majority of engine damage? Cold engine oil moves like molasses until it warms up to normal operating temperature. Let your motor run for five to ten minutes in the morning, then drive gingerly for the first mile or two. Try not to rev the engine until it warms up somewhat. Wait until the heater blows warm air and the temperature gauge begins to rise.

2) Don’t Ignore Problems
Did an unusual noise or an odd smell suddenly appear? Or, how about a shimmy in the steering wheel that wasn’t there yesterday? Don’t just turn up the radio and hope things work themselves out. If you think there’s a problem, there probably is. Plus, parts, on their way out, usually take down a few other items as they go. Don’t wait for a small repair to become a major issue.

3) Be Kind to Your Car’s Suspension
Extra weight puts undue stress on your vehicle’s engine and suspension. Driving around with next month’s cement project in the trunk for a few weeks will also lead to lower fuel economy. And, if possible, avoid uneven and poorly maintained roadways. Driving back and forth to work every day, on bad roads, is one of the surest ways to put undue wear and tear on your car’s suspension parts. Especially avoid cobblestone streets. They may look rustic, but the vibrations caused by cobblestone roads do a number on many parts of your vehicle, especially, the suspension.

4) Follow the Manufacturer’s Recommended Service Schedule
Regular maintenance is probably the most obvious item on the list. Modern cars, trucks, and SUVs can easily exceed their manufacturer-recommended maintenance checkpoints without problems. But, ignoring service dates will lead to bigger problems down the road. Stick to the recommended service schedule. A well-maintained car will not only be more fuel-efficient, but it will also perform better, last longer, and retain its trade-in value better. Here are a few maintenance items that should never be overlooked:

• Change the Oil Often – Oil is an engine’s lifeblood. Contaminated oil can lead to overheating and do irreparable damage. Always stick to a schedule and use the manufacturer’s recommended viscosity and brand of oil and oil filter.
• Check the Tire Pressure Regularly – Check your car’s tire pressure about once per month. Over or under-inflated tires may take years of their lives due to uneven wear. A little effort once a month may save you big money in the long run. Make sure to rotate your tires at least once per year, as front tires wear out faster than rear tires.
• Be Proactive – Check on the ground and under the hood every so often for fluid leaks. Early detection of most problems will help to avoid big issues down the road.

5) Keep Your Vehicle Clean and Waxed
Keeping your car clean and waxed not only shows that you take pride in your ownership, but a clean and shiny exterior can also actually prolong your vehicle’s life, as well. Salt, dirt, and grime left on for too long will cause rust, especially during the winter months. Although most cars have galvanized bodies, often their under-carriage components do not resist rust. Regular cleaning and waxing keep the paintwork in tip-top condition and might get you a few dollars more at trade-in time, as well. Be sure to hose off bird droppings right away as they can eat right through your vehicle’s clear coat.

So, keep these five tips in mind. Following them will help you make your vehicle last longer, run better, and get you more money at trade-in time, as well.

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