Here’s 10 Ways You Can Make Your Car Last Longer
Cars are expensive, so it sometimes makes sense to make yours last as long as possible. Here’s to do it, and safely…
Making Cars Last
The average age of cars in the UK sits at 8.4 years, the highest on record. This is largely due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the disruption it caused within the automotive industry. Indeed, there are now ten million vehicles in use in the country that were made in 2008 or earlier.
These figures can be perceived as being somewhat alarming from a safety perspective. After all, older cars are more likely to experience faults than newer ones. Nevertheless, they’re also a testament to the fact that we don’t need to be swapping our vehicles every two, three or four years. With the right care, they can be made to last and in a way that maintains safety.
Regular Servicing and Maintenance
If you want your car to last as long as possible, it’s crucial that it receives regular servicing and maintenance. Fairly frequent trips to the garage will ensure that small problems are detected before they can become large ones; which saves you time and money in the long-term.
Don’t Scrimp on Parts
Sometimes, your car will needs parts and components repaired or replaced. It’s important that you don’t try to make a quick saving by opting for cheaply-made options. In essence, they’re false economy. You pay less in the short-term, but they’ll likely fail before long. Get the best parts, and see them as an investment for your car’s future.
Drive Smoothly and Gently
How we drive has an enormous impact on the longevity of our vehicles. Things like needless acceleration, harsh braking and frantic manoeuvres can all take a heavy toll on tyres, suspension systems and engines. Try to keep things smooth and gentle when you can.
Conduct Regular Checks
Not every technical fault requires a trip to the garage. By conducting regular checks throughout your vehicle, ideally once a fortnight, you’ll be able to spot anything amiss. Check things like tyre pressures and tread depth, fluid levels and whether lights are working properly.
Avoid Excessive Weight
Most modern vehicles are pretty good at carrying impressive loads, regardless of how big or small they are. That said, you should still avoid overloading them. Excessive weight can place additional strain on a vehicle’s tyres and suspension system. You’ll burn through more fuel, too, so keep things light when possible.
Keep Things Clean
By cleaning your car, both inside and out, you’ll help protect its surfaces and materials from the elements. This will help them to last longer, and help to maintain your car’s value. Cars that look better, after all, secure better prices. Consider using a good brand of polish to protect your vehicle’s paintwork. Avoiding smoking in the interior and vacuuming around seats will also help to protect the upholstery.
Skip Needless Journeys
Wear and tear is a fact of life when driving. The more we use our cars, the faster their parts and components will fail. Which is why it makes sense to avoid needless journeys. Successive lockdowns taught us that many a meeting can be conducted online. In addition, walking, cycling or public transport may sometimes prove to be better options.
Store or Cover
Modern cars are resilient things. But that’s not to say they’re invulnerable. Which why it still makes sense to store over cover them when they’re options. Keeping your vehicle in a garage, or under a cover, will protect it from the weather and other forms of dirt and grime.
Watch out for Potholes
The UK’s roads are, unfortunately, riddled with potholes. Whilst the Government has pledged to address the issue, dedicating large amounts of funding to repairs, it’ll take time to get on top of them. In which case, it’s best to keep your eyes open and to avoid them when it’s safe to do so. Striking potholes at speed can wreak havoc on tyres, brakes and suspension systems.
Don’t Ignore your Car
Don’t leave your vehicle in storage for extended periods of time without ever taking it for a drive. Its battery will go flat if you don’t keep it charged, either by driving it or with a slow charger. Fluids can also pool, meaning the engine won’t be properly lubricated; meaning it can overheat and completely fail.
Try to take your car for a drive every two weeks if it’s in storage, and make sure it’s at least a 15-minute trip or so.
Driving in Autumn: Here’s How To Prepare – https://autoserveclub.co.uk/blog/driving-in-autumn-heres-how-to-prepare/
Majority Of Learner Drivers Want To Take Their Test In An EV – https://autoserve.co.uk/motoring-news/majority-of-learner-drivers-want-to-take-their-test-in-an-ev/
