5 Maintenance Tips to Make Your Car Last Longer

Performing routine maintenance on a new or older vehicle not only saves money but also keeps drivers and passengers safe. Even so, it’s easy to postpone taking a vehicle in for car maintenance checks. No doubt, most people would rather spend their money on other things, like summer vacations.

Cars serve a number of valuable functions in a person’s life. In addition to defining who we are, they are a source of freedom and independence. However, a poorly-maintained vehicle can easily become an expensive, unreliable, burden.  

With that in mind, here are some tips to help your car last longer and increase its efficiency.

Keep Your Car In Top Shape With a Car Maintenance Checklist

Owning a car comes with a lot of responsibility. Whether you own a brand new, properly functioning vehicle, or an older, less-than-perfect one, maintenance is essential to your vehicle’s longevity.

So, if you’re ready to give your car some TLC, this car maintenance checklist will help you get started.

Essential Car Maintenance Tips Anyone Can Do

Many minor inspections and repairs can be performed without the aid of a trained service technician. Take a look at these car maintenance tips that will keep your car in top-notch running condition for your upcoming summer road trips:

•  Inspect the Tires

Proper tire pressure will prevent uneven wear. Plus, correctly inflated tires will improve gas mileage. Tread depth should also be checked. Low tire tread reduces traction, especially on wet or icy roads, increasing the chance of a blowout or accident. Your owner’s manual shows the correct PSI for the size and type of tires.

•  Replace Damaged Wiper Blades

Worn wiper blades can’t clear the windshield properly. This in turn leads to poor visibility that can result in a tragic accident. Ensuring your safety can be as easy as investing $25 to $40 and about 10 minutes of effort to replace the blades.  

•  Regularly Replace Filters

Your car has several filters that remove contaminants from the various engine fluids. Replace the filters when they have reached their mileage limit as shown below:

• Engine air filter (at every 15,000 to 30,000 miles)
• Fuel filter (at every 30,000 miles or every 2 years)
• Engine oil filter (at every 3,000 miles or every 3 months)
• Emission filter (at every 100,000 miles)
• Cabin air filter (at every 15,000 to 20,000 miles)

When a filter is clogged, the engine must work harder. This can lead to overheating, a blown head gasket, or a cracked block. The repair bill for this issue can be substantial.

•  Check and Refill Fluids

Low or leaking fluids can damage your engine. Keep these fluids at the correct levels at all times according to the directions in your owner’s manual:

• Oil
• Coolant
• Brake fluid
• Power steering fluid
• Transmission fluid

If a leak appears, you or your mechanic can determine the source of a leak based on the color of the fluid.

•  Inspect the Lights

Driving at night, in fog, or during rainstorms is dangerous without adequate visibility. So, regularly check your headlights, taillights, and turn signals for signs of dim, broken, or burnt-out bulbs.