How to Extend the Life of Your Vehicle

Mechanical Car Maintenance Tips

The most important thing you can do to extend the life of your car is to make sure all of its mechanical parts are in good working order. While wear and tear is unavoidable, there are some car maintenance tips you can use at home to stay on top of any needed repairs and not get stuck on the side of the road. 

1. Check and top off your fluids regularly

   Many fluids that your vehicle needs to run properly can easily be checked at home. Your owner’s manual can guide you in the proper way to check them. You’ll want to make sure that your car has had a chance to stop running and cool down before checking your fluids, as some may be hot and under pressure (coolant), or the levels can be affected by a running engine (oil). If you notice your fluids are running low, top them off and continue checking them. If they’re consistently low, take your car in to check for leaks. Fluids to keep an eye on include:

   • Oil
   • Brake fluid
   • Windshield washer fluid
   • Coolant
   • Power steering fluid

2. Check hoses and belts for wear

   Hoses and belts can break while you’re driving, leaving you stranded on the side of the road. Once every couple of months, you’ll want to check your hoses for any soft spots and any areas that might be wearing through. For belts, make sure that they’re not too loose or tight, and that there’s no fraying. If you see any of these things, you’ll want to replace the belt or hose as it’s at the end of its life.

3. Check spark plugs and get a tune up

   Spark plugs are an easy thing to forget about that can make a big difference in how your car runs. Bad spark plugs can cause difficulty starting, rough idle, lower gas mileage and slower acceleration, among other things. If your car’s engine isn’t running like it should be, it may be time for a tune up. Getting a tune up is also a good time to get your hoses and belts rechecked by a mechanic!

Exterior Protection Car Maintenance Tips

While mechanical maintenance is important to keep your car running smoothly for years to come, exterior care helps keep it looking new for longer. Here are some tips on how to extend the life of your car’s exterior.

1. Check and maintain seals around windows and sunroofs

   Bad sunroof and window seals can allow water to seep into your interior. You can help prevent cracking and tears by using a rubber protectant on your door and window seals. This will help keep them pliable and less likely to crack. If there are any tears in seals, repair or replace them to prevent water leaks from damaging your vehicle’s interior.

2. Tires

   Your tires take a lot of wear and tear while you’re out on the road. You can keep them in good working order and reduce damage in a few simple steps!

   • Check the pressure to make sure that it follows the guidelines for your tires. Low or overfilled tires can cause extra stress, as well as wear and tear.
   • Rotate tires to make sure that they wear evenly. Front and rear tires take different amounts of wear and tear. Rotate every few thousand miles so that you don’t wear one or two tires out before the others.

3. Wash your car regularly

   Washing your vehicle year round is important to keep your paint in good condition. While winter may not seem like the best time to wash your vehicle, it should still be done to remove any salt that can damage the paint’s finish. Make sure to wax your vehicle as well, which provides an extra layer of protection against the sun’s UV rays. 

Interior Protection Car Maintenance Tips

Keeping your interior looking as good as new can be easy with these quick tips on how to extend the life of your car’s interior.

1. Avoid parking in the sun

   UV rays from the sun can wreak havoc on your interior — the color of your interior can fade, and plastics can crack. An easy way to avoid this is to not park in the sun. Find a shady spot in the parking lot, park in a garage or get a product such as SunShade to prevent the sun’s rays from ruining your car’s interior.

2. Protect your carpet from damage and dirt with floor mats

   You spend a lot of time in your car during shopping trips, fast food runs and dropping the kids off at daycare. Keeping your vehicle’s carpets covered helps prevent stains and damage from ruining your interior while you’re running errands. Keep your carpets clean and damage-free with WeatherTech FloorLiners and Cargo Liners — the custom fit solution for keeping your vehicle protected!

3. Seat protection

   Your seats take a beating — after all it’s probably the most used part of your vehicle! Keep them protected by spraying them with a stain protectant, such as ScotchGard™. You can also protect them with Seat Protectors, which are washable and water resistant! 

Following these car maintenance tips, as well as following dealer recommendations, will help to extend the life of your car. What other tips would you suggest?