How You Can Extend The Life Of Your Car

As this is not the age of the horse and buggy, your car is the most important way for you to get from point A to point B.

Unfortunately, a car is not a great investment if you consider how expensive they have become. That said, there are several ways you can increase the life of your car by keeping up with its maintenance.

If you provide good maintenance for your car, you will reap the benefits over time. We have listed the best car maintenance tips from simple inexpensive obligations to technical issues that must be addressed.

Inspect & Replace Your Air Filter Regularly

Your air filter is one of the most basic components in your car. Although it’s a simple task to replace it, it’s a critical part of ensuring your car runs smoothly.

When driving your car, it draws air from the atmosphere to mix with the fuel to burn it. There’s no doubt that the air is not the cleanest element in our environment, but the air filter’s job is to filter out debris and dirt from the air before it reaches the mixture stage. If not, your car will not be able to run as well as it should.

While your engine is running, the air filter is constantly working. As time goes by, it will become dirty and have to be replaced or cleaned depending on its condition.

More details – When & Why You Should Change Your Engine’s Air Filter

Inspect & Maintain Your Car’s Battery

Maintaining your car’s battery is one of the most important steps you need to take to keep your car running properly. The battery powers all the electrical components such as the lights, radio, wipers etc, but more so, it starts the car when you turn the key.

If the battery is not working well, you might not be able to turn the engine over or, worse yet, end up stranded on the side of the road.

Never throw caution to the wind. Check or replace your battery regularly. After 2 or 3 years, you should check the battery fluid level if it’s an acid battery.

Also, check your battery’s charge if your car has not been driven for a long time. A low battery charge will damage the battery, especially in colder weather conditions.

Related – What To Do When Your Car Battery Dies

Always Check & Change Your Engine Oil When Needed

Your car’s engine depends on oil for lubrication in order for the internal engine components and transmission to run properly.

Anything you have read about a car’s maintenance includes an oil change. If you ignore this step, your car will be running on very little oil which will lead to a breakdown and you might be faced with enormous costs for repairs. In some cases, you might have to replace the engine.

It’s critical to check the condition of the engine oil. If you notice the oil has turned black, you must replace it as quickly as possible. You should also change the oil when the mileage on your car hits the recommendations of the manufacturer.

If you discover an oil leak, get it repaired immediately and never drive your car when the oil level is low.

Related – 15 Common Car Engine Problems

Check & Replace Fluid Levels

Fluid levels include the power steering fluid, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and the coolant in your car. These fluids are as important to your car as the engine oil.

The power steering system will not work properly if the pump or hoses are leaking or there is not enough fluid in the reservoir.

The transmission fluid. If the transmission fluid is too low, you will end up with big transmission problems which will be very expensive to repair. This is just as important as the engine oil

The coolant fluid has the task of keeping the engine temperature where it should be. All the fluids in your car must be full and if there is a leak, it must be repaired as quickly as possible.

Check your owner’s manual to find out where the fluid reservoirs are located in your engine bay. Also, remember never open the coolant when your car is hot.

Windshield Wipers Replacement

Unfortunately, windshield wipers are often overlooked and can cause accidents. Damaged windshield wipers will make it very difficult to see what’s going on in front of you. This is especially true during heavy rain or snow events. Always check your wipers from time to time and replace them if they are wearing out.

Worn or damaged windshield wipers can scratch and damage your windshield. If you damage your windshield, it will be quite expensive to repair or replace vs just replacing the wipers. Windshield wipers are not expensive and are very easy to replace. So check your wipers from time to time and replace them if they are showing signs of wear or damage.

Check Your Tyre Pressure

Tyres that are not properly inflated will have an effect on your driving. The right tyre pressure should be approximately 35 PSI depending on your vehicle. Having the correct tyre pressure will ensure your car has the right control.

Good tyre pressure will allow your tyres to conform to the road. If the pressure is too high or too low, it can lead to excessive pressure on the suspension struts and suspension. Poor tyre inflation can also lead to an unexpected flat.

It’s a good idea to check the pressure of all four tyres on a regular basis to avoid issues. Inflating and maintaining your tyre pressure is usually free and something just about anyone can take care of.

Related – Tyre Problems You Should Know About

Wheel Alignment

Most people never think about their car’s wheel alignment. You might find the alignment is off if you hit a curb or just had your suspension parts replaced. Also, you might not know there is a change in how they operate if the bushings are worn.

Replacing tyres can be costly so a bad wheel alignment will wear your tyres down very quickly. It’s highly recommended you check the alignment every two years or if you hit an object while driving.

To perform a wheel alignment will take the right equipment, a visit to a garage is a necessity to have the alignment checked and/or corrected if needed.

More details – 5 Indicators Of Bad Wheel Alignment

Inspect & Replace Spark Plugs

Depending on the model and make of your car, you will have 4 or more spark plugs. Spark plugs ignite the air-fuel mixture in your engine which will lead to a carbon buildup on the tips of the spark plugs, The carbon buildup will affect the ignition timing and spark quality which in turn will affect your engine. Therefore, replacing them is important

You should have your spark plugs checked every 50,000 to 80,000 miles. If your mechanic recommends you replace them, make sure they are all replaced not just those that are showing wear.

Spark plugs are pretty inexpensive to replace and can prevent your car from misfiring and help your car remain in good shape.

Related – Reasons Why Your Engine Misfires

Wash Your Car Regularly

Washing your car every 1 or 2 weeks will prevent the paint from rusting or from oxidizing. If you live in an area with colder temperatures or you live by the sea with air loaded with salt, it’s even more important.

You should wash your car from time to time no matter where you live. If you wash it once every three months, you will protect the paint from damage.

Related – 6 Most Routine Car Maintenance Issues

Check The Brake Pads & Rotors

No matter where you read information for good car maintenance, you will find the brake system is at the top of the list. Stopping your car by hitting the brakes is a super important factor for controlling your vehicle.

The only way you can be sure your car will slow down or come to a complete halt is by keeping the car’s braking system in great condition. Never, ever compromise on the brakes just to save some money. You might discover a fear you never thought you would ever experience when you can’t stop and head toward a wall or another car.

There is no time limit on brakes. You should check them every month or at the very least, every three months.

You can check your brakes easily. Use a torch and check inside the rim and look at the brake rotors and pads. Be sure there is at least 4mm or 0.15” material left on the pads.

If your brakes are worn, you will hear a squealing sound when you apply the brakes. When replacing the brake pads t might be a good idea to replace the rotors as well as the brake pads for peace of mind.

More details – Signs Your Brakes Need To Be Replaced

Lubricating Door Hinges

This is something anyone can do. Lubricating the door hinges once a year, or more often if you prefer, will keep the hinges in great shape. If your car’s hinges make noises when opening and closing the doors, it’s time to lubricate them.

It’s super easy to correct, simply apply a grease spray on all the hinges and door locks to keep them operating properly.

Related – Money Saving Car Maintenance Tips

If you are having issues with your vehicle you can get your vehicle checked and the issue diagnosed and resolved by booking online today.

For further information on our services you can browse the site or get in touch with us by calling 019253 30468 or you can email us directly at service@lowtonmotorcompany.co.uk. At Lowton Motor Company we service all vehicles produced by all the top manufacturers from the a Ford to a Porsche and everything in between. Our experienced technicians have access to and traning with all the latest technology. You can be sure your vehicle is in safe hands whether it’s in for a repair, a service or just the annual MOT.