As a rule of thumb, we expect our cars to last for around 100000 miles before we have any major problems with them. A car with average use can easily last for up to 10 years without too much trouble. As long as it’s well looked after. This has been the accepted guideline for a long time. But, modern cars are very different from cars 20 years ago. Driving and roads are very much the same, but the cars themselves have changed. They have greater safety features and offer the driver much greater assistance making accidents much less likely.
This means that if well looked after your car could last for up to 200000 miles. Seen as a new car is quite a large expense and even a second-hand car can set you back quite a bit, it’s a good idea to try and extend the life by as much as you can. Let’s take a look at what you can do.
Understand that Not All Miles are Equal
5000 miles of school runs and work commutes, in traffic, driving an average speed of less than 20mph isn’t the same as 5000 miles up and down fast roads, traveling across the country at high speeds. Cars used for slow, relatively short trips are likely to last much longer than those that get heavy use at high speeds or over long distances.
Of course, your car is yours to use as you wish. But, if you are heading off on a long journey, why not consider taking a train or even flying? This can be faster, less stressful, cheaper and you’ll be doing your bit to cut down on carbon emissions.
However, it’s also a good idea to walk very short distances. When you start a cold engine, it leaves condensation in your exhaust. Over a long trip, this evaporates and doesn’t cause any harm. On a very short trip this condensation doesn’t have time to evaporate, and so it sits in your exhaust until you next use your car. This could over time lead to a hole rusting away in your muffler.
Keep a Close Eye on Your Car
Just as you need to maintain health, you can say that the same thing applies to your car too. It’s crucial that you get regular checkups for your car. This is ideal, as you can spot a potential problem and fix it ahead of time rather than it getting worse over time and costing more. This is especially apparent when it comes to brakes, so you may want to look into your local brake shop for parts or even consult with a car- professional.
Drive Carefully
Within all of those journeys, short and long, fast and slow, how you drive can have a big impact on your car. Driving within the speed limit is always wise and means that you will never push your car too hard. But, it’s not all about speed. You should also drive sensibly and with care. Brake in plenty of time at a junction, turn slowly and accelerate gently.
You should be even more careful in poor weather when the road conditions aren’t ideal. Take your time, treat road users and your car with care and respect. You’ll put less pressure on your clutch, brakes and suspension, your tires will face less wear, and your engine will perform better when it’s used smoothly. In short, take your time.
Look After it After An Accident
Over the course of your life as a driver, it would be naïve to think that you’ll never have an accident. Hopefully, you won’t have a big one, and no one will be hurt. But, there’s bound to be a time when you face a scrape or hit a sign in a car park. Most of us do it eventually in a lapse in concentration.
While a big incident could end your car’s life, a smaller accident shouldn’t do it much harm as long as you know what to do. You’ll want to find yourself an auto collision attorney, and you’ll need to take your car into the garage.
This is crucial. Even if there are no obvious signs of damage and your car feels completely normal to drive, you never know what problems could be waiting for you. These problems left untreated could get worse over time and lead to a much more serious issue. Even if you think it’s fine, take your car in for a full service and tell your mechanic as much as you can about the accident so that they know where to focus their attention.
Spend Wisely
Car repairs and maintenance can be very expensive, and it can be tempting to cut costs to save yourself money. But, you have to know when this is a good idea. A refurbished tire or one of a lower quality might be much cheaper, but it won’t wear as well, it won’t last as long, and it could lead to further issues down the line. Paying more for a higher quality tire could save you money, keep you safe and extend the life of your car. This goes for all other parts and repairs too. Look for reputable parts dealers, like The Part Hub to make sure you are getting a great deal on high-quality parts.
Speak to your mechanic, get as much advice as you can and no when to spend more and when to save.
Learn About your Car
Many of us are guilty of jumping into our new car, going for a drive and then only picking up the manual if something goes wrong. This can mean that we never look after our cars fully and that we never do what we can to make them last.
Instead, when you get a new car, read the manual. Spend some time sitting in your car, with the manual. Familiarize yourself with all of its settings and buttons, make sure you know what everything does, where everything is and what you need to do if something goes wrong. Then, look online. Read reviews of your car and comments of forums. Be an expert on your car and no what to expect from it.
Keep it Safe
Where you keep your car overnight can have a big effect on how long it lasts. Not just regarding safety and security. But, also its condition. A car kept in a safe, locked garage isn’t just less likely to be stolen. It’s also better protected from the elements. It’ll face less wear and tear kept inside or under a cover. You should also keep it clean and tidy as that it’s less likely to rust or discolor.
Other steps like regularly changing your oil and other fluids, keeping the engine clean, checking the air in your tires, the brake pads and the alignment will also help.