Maximum Mileage: How To Prolong The Life Of Your Car
4th Jan, 2017
For many of us, for better or worse our cars are essential to our daily lives. It’s the way we get to work, the way we visit our relatives, and if you live in a rural area, life can be next to impossible without it. Scrap car dealerships are often full of vehicles whose working lives ended prematurely, often due to poor treatment or maintenance by their owners. In order to get the most out of your car, it’s imperative to keep it in tip-top condition.
So, we’ll get right into it – here’s how to extend the life of your car:
- Listen for any signs of distress.
- Keep your car’s oil levels up.
- Regularly refresh other fluids (such as brake fluid and antifreeze.)
- Keep your car clean of dirt and rust.
- Take weather and road conditions into account.
- Drive smoothly, safely and carefully.
- Consult your owner’s manual if you’re ever in doubt!
Bear with us, and we’ll explain…
Keep An Ear Out
You’d probably be surprised at how even the smallest of issues can become majorly problematic if left unattended for a while. No one knows your car better than you, so if you can feel something’s wrong when driving it, it’s probably a good idea to get it checked out. Unexplained noises or sensations, such as a mysterious rattling or a slight pull to the left, could be symptomatic of much larger problems, so nipping them in the bud could save you money and time in the long run.
Keeping Up With Oil Changes
Your engine can’t function without oil – it literally keeps the wheels turning. Basically, good oil lubricates your engine, making sure that all the moving parts run smoothly. On the other hand, oil that’s too old or dirty can actually add friction, meaning that important moving parts rub together and thereby incur wear and tear on your engine. Your owner’s manual will tell you exactly how often to change your oil, but as a rule it’s generally a good idea to do it every 3000 to 5000 miles.
However, oil isn’t the only essential liquid to the smooth running of your car. Transmission fluid, power steering fluid and brake fluid are important to bear in mind. For example, a lack of decent brake fluid is likely to inflict serious wear on your brake pads, potentially making your car unsafe. Antifreeze, meanwhile, can break down and decompose if left unchanged for too long. Emptying your car of old antifreeze when necessary and filling it with fresh liquid keeps your heater from failing, protects your radiator and helps keep the thermostat in good working order.
Cleaning Up Your Attitude
Everyone likes a clean car, but it’s not just about being easy on the eye. Regularly cleaning the exterior of your car defends it from rust and corrosion, which can be a particular problem in cold weather. Washing the engine is also crucial – careful cleaning removes the grime and detritus that can accumulate on the surface and in the workings, thereby ensuring continued smooth functioning and avoiding the possibility of prematurely having to say scrap my car.
Drive Smart, Drive Safe
Regular maintenance is obviously integral to the overall health of your car, but it all counts for very little if you drive it badly. Sudden stops and starts or driving at sustained high speed can put a lot of stress on your car – from its engine to its tyres to its handling. Once again, cold weather is a particular threat in this instance, as cold weather and frost puts your car under especially high strain. Smooth, careful driving – not to mention making sure that everything in your car is properly warmed up before setting off – can help prevent a lot of problems before they even appear on the horizon.
If you have any questions, you might find that the answers are already in your hands – your owner’s manual might seem like heavy reading, but it contains extensive information straight from the manufacturer about how best to care for your car, including when to schedule maintenance.
At Scrap Car Network, we’re always about going the extra mile; getting more out of your car means not only does it help the environment, but also puts more money in your pocket – and that’s what we’re all about. Click here to read about the best reasons to choose us, or you can just enter your details into our website to receive an instant scrap car quote.
Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter: @ScrapCarNetwork
