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7 Tips to Make Your Car Last Longer

20 January 2019

We all know maintaining your car is of upmost importance if you want it to last long. However, taking care of your vehicle doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Following these 7 easy tips will help extend the mechanical integrity of your car for several years to come.

  1. Check your tires regularly
    Besides immediately addressing an issue that comes up on your vehicle’s instrument panel, be sure to inspect your tires for anomalies (like a small tack or nail) and check your tire tread at least once a month. Some tire retailers will check your tire pressure for no charge.  Also, rotate tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles (or every six months).
  2. Change air filters
    Replacing your engine air filters is key to maintaining the performance of your car. If your air filter is dirty, clean air is unable to reach your engine and can cause many issues such as low fuel efficiency and power loss. Be sure to change out your filters at least every 15,000 miles or once a year.
  3. Use a fuel system cleaner
    Fuel system cleaners helps to remove carbon deposits from your car fuel system components such as port/indirect fuel injectors, intake valves and ports, piston tops, cylinder heads and the combustion chamber. Carbon deposits can increase emissions, hinder acceleration and cause hard stops. High mileage cars especially can suffer from extensive carbon deposits and excess friction. Using a cleaner such as Gumout High Mileage Fuel System Cleaner can remove the deposits and restore performance.
  4. Check fluids regularly
    Yes, it’s easy to know when you need to refill the windshield wiper fluid but there are several other fluids that your vehicle needs to maintain optimal performance.  Make sure the following fluids are checked and maintained regularly:

    • Engine Oil
    • Coolant
    • Brake Fluid
    • Power Steering Fluid
    • Transmission Fluid
    • Windshield Wiper Fluid
  5.  Keep the weight down
    Do not overload your vehicle.  Not only is it a safety hazard (potentially resulting in a traffic fine), it also causes unnecessary wear and tear on your vehicle and its suspension system.  Consider multiple trips, or shipping items instead if it’s a long road trip.
  6.  Wash your vehicle
    Debris from normal, everyday driving should be washed off regularly.  Not giving your car a bath can lead to early wear and corrosion.  This is especially true in areas where road salt is used.  Also know that bird droppings and tree sap can be acidic.
  7. Drive smart
    Simply put, take care of your vehicle and it will take care of you.  Pay attention to the different noises your car makes while driving.  Avoid routes with bad roads, obey construction signage and have your car checked out at the first sighting of an indicator light.
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