You’ve spent enough on your new car that you feel like it should last a lifetime or more. And that might be a bit of a stretch, but there are a few things you can do to help your car last for years.
1. Watch your mileage
It’s no secret your car needs more maintenance the more you use it. When you drive long distances, you’re putting extra wear and tear on your car. There’s a reason why warranties have a mileage limit. If you have two cars of the same age, but one has double the mileage, it’s almost like the high-mileage car is double the age.
2. Get regular service
Regardless of the mileage you put on your car, you can mitigate some of the damage by servicing your car before any problems arise. Even something as simple as maintaining your ac filter can help your car last longer. When your ac filter isn’t clean, it takes more energy to run the ac, and this energy comes from the engine. This puts a strain on your car’s engine and can impact your car’s longevity.
Running your car without regular service is kind of like going through life without taking care of your body. You’re simply not going to have the longevity you would if you were giving your car (or body) what it needs. And because regular service is important for longevity, it’s also great for resale value. When you sell your car in good condition, you’ll get the greatest possible value for sale.
3. Avoid distracted driving
According to the CDC, more than 1,000 car accidents happen because of distracted driving every day. When you really think about these accidents, the car is the least of your worries. But even if it’s a fender bender and no one gets hurt, your car could sustain a fair amount of damage. There’s nothing you can do to guarantee that you won’t be involved in a car accident, but you’ll cut your chances drastically when you avoid distracted driving practices like texting and driving.
4. Avoid drunk driving
Drunk driving is another practice that drastically increases your chances of destroying your car (and your life). So if you want your car to last longer, avoid getting behind the wheel after you’ve had more than one drink in an hour. Alcohol can be extremely tricky, and you won’t always know you’re too impaired to drive. So instead of trying to gauge your abilities at the moment, rely on a drink limit. And if you know you’re going to be drinking, have a plan to get home that doesn’t involve driving. You could designate a driver or call a taxi or Uber. The consequences are not worth the risks. You’ll save your car and potentially a life by taking more responsible measures than drinking and driving.
5. Get regular car washes
This tip may seem a bit frivolous, but it’s probably more important than you think. The atmosphere is harder on your car than you may think, and it can easily wear down the paint and make your car look much older than it is. This is why it’s a good idea to get regular car washes. Waxing can also help protect your car’s exterior. If you keep your car clean, it’ll be less likely that the paint will become eroded or chipped. Your car may run like a dream, but if it looks like a nightmare, you won’t have a pleasant driving experience. Your car’s resale value will also suffer.
If you want your car to last as long as possible, follow all the maintenance tips in your manual and treat it as though it’s an important asset. We often take our cars for granted, but a little love and care can go a long way.
