Five Tips for Keeping Your Vehicle for as Long as Possible
Many people like to switch out their vehicles every few years or so. It’s true that it might enable you to avoid costly repairs, but you’ll end up paying more in the long run because always having a car payment is an expensive way to live! Instead, you should try and keep your car for as long as possible.
The trouble is, some cars don’t last nearly as long as they could. Without proper care, you could end up replacing your car sooner than you’d like, which means another car payment when that money could be used for something else.
So, how do you make sure your car lasts for as long as possible?
Make Sure You’re Insured
It is extremely important to make sure you’re insured. You can save money on your insurance by choosing your car wisely when you do buy. For example, car insurance for a Honda Accord is cheaper than some other vehicles because it has many safety features. However, it’s not just regular insurance you should think about.
If you want your car to last as long as possible, you have to make sure you keep up with repairs. Prevent yourself from putting off important repairs by adding car repair insurance to your plan. That way, even the most major repairs won’t cost an arm and a leg.
Don’t Put off Oil Changes
Everyone knows cars need oil changes, and yet, they frequently get put off. That can spell disaster for your car. You need to stick to your oil change schedule.
The good news is, you may not need to change your oil as often as you think. For example, if you drive very short distances on a daily basis, you may need to change your oil every 1,000 to 3,000 miles. However, if your car’s manufacturer recommends synthetic oil, and your vehicle spends the majority of its time on the highway or interstate, you may be able to go as many as 10,000 miles between oil changes!
It’s important to find a mechanic you trust. They will provide you with an accurate recommendation.
Keep It Clean
People put off oil changes, but getting the car cleaned is likely to get put off even more. After all, it doesn’t really matter how your car looks as long as it runs the way it’s supposed to, right?
Yes and no. It’s true that how your vehicle operates is important, but if you don’t keep your car clean and organized, you’re going to be tempted to replace it sooner than you should. In addition, not cleaning your car regularly can cause the body and the essential parts to deteriorate quickly.
A few tips for keeping your car clean include:
- Washing it every few weeks
- Keeping a garbage can inside the car
- Using covers to protect items from falling between the seats
- Using a carpet cleaner to clean upholstery
- Keeping an organizer caddy in the backseat for the kids
Pay Attention to Your Tires
Your tires may not seem like a big deal, but they can greatly affect how long you keep your vehicle. Not only are worn treads dangerous, they can be hard on your brakes. Tires that aren’t properly inflated can be hard on your suspension.
Take the time to care for your tires by making sure they are properly inflated on a regular basis. When you take your vehicle in for repairs or an oil change, have your mechanic look over your tires. If the tread is low, replace them right away, and always follow your mechanic’s recommendations for rotating your tires.
Change Your Driving Habits
It isn’t just caring for your car with repairs and baths that can affect how long you drive your car. How you drive can have a huge impact on the life of your vehicle too!
There are some common habits that are really hard on your car. For example, it’s better to apply spurts of light braking down a hill than it is to drag the brakes the whole way. You should never put the car in reverse without completely stopping the vehicle, and you should always avoid slamming on the brakes whenever possible. And, don’t forget to slow down for speed bumps and potholes!
Buying a new car can be a lot of fun, but the dent to your bank account isn’t. Instead, save some money and make your car last as long as possible with the tips on this list.
