How to Extend The Life of Your Car

Life without a car in the UK can be incredibly challenging. A car is one of the biggest investments and something that many of us depend on heavily. When you’ve spent so much money on your vehicle, it’s only right that you take proper care of it. 

As we move towards sustainable living, many people wish to reduce their consumption and make their vehicles last longer. In fact, we’re seeing an increase in people who want to keep hold of their old cars for longer periods before upgrading or trading them in. 

But to be able to use your vehicle for as long as you can, you need to know how to extend the life of your car.

Today, proper car care has become more important than ever, helping you not only maximise your car’s lifespan but also minimise repairs. The good news is that there are many different tips and tricks to extend the life of your car and get the most out of your vehicle for longer.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some effective ways you can keep your car running smoothly for years to come.

1) Stick to the Service Schedule

Routine servicing should be one of your top priorities if you’re wondering how to extend the life of your car. It’s important to read your owner’s manual to understand your car’s recommended maintenance schedule. 

Sticking to your service schedule increases the longevity of vital car parts, such as your engine, brake pads and electrical systems. It also helps you avoid a variety of potential car issues, such as dead car batteries, the AC cutting off, the engine overheating, and more. 

Preventative maintenance helps you save money, improve your vehicle’s safety, and avoid any untimely inconveniences. At In Town Automotive, we’re dedicated to ensuring your car is healthy and can function smoothly at all times. Contact us to book an appointment today.

2) Keep It Clean

Dirt buildup can be detrimental to your car’s appearance and functioning, which is why you need to keep it clean. Allowing dust and debris to collect on and inside your car can easily wear away its surfaces. 

To prevent this, you need to regularly wash and wax your car. Remember to use cleaning products specially formulated for vehicle interiors to keep the inside of your car in pristine condition. This further helps you prevent any issues such as cracked leather or scratched dashboards. 

3) Check Tyre Pressure Regularly

Sturdy, well-inflated tyres are a critical safety feature and component of your car, and checking your tyres regularly may potentially save your life. 

On a more minor level, having underinflated tyres increases your fuel consumption. Keeping them topped up according to the recommended pressures listed in your owner’s manual will help you to drive more efficiently.

Tyre pressure may be different for your front and rear tyres, making it important to regularly rotate your tyres. Since tyres wear down unevenly, failing to occasionally rotate them may reduce the life of your tyres as a whole. It could put your wheels and the rest of your vehicle at higher risk every time you drive.

4) Pay Attention to Fluids

Fluids keep your car running, and failing to replenish them may have serious consequences, affecting the longevity of your car. 

It’s good practice to check your engine oil and car lubricants fortnightly by opening the bonnet and removing the dipstick. Wipe the dipstick with a rag and dip it into the oil. When you remove it, the oil level needs to be between the minimum and maximum level markers, and should be a light yellow-brown colour if your car has a petrol engine.

If the oil is dark and dirty, it needs to be replaced. Note: diesel engine oil tends to accumulate soot, so dark-coloured oil isn’t a cause for concern with diesel vehicles. 

By regularly topping up your car fluids, you can reduce your long-term maintenance costs and extend the life of your car. If you need to top off the fluids in your car more frequently than recommended in your owner’s manual, you may need to get your car checked for a leak.

5) Avoid Engine Braking

When braking, instead of using the brakes, many drivers tend to release the accelerator and switch down the gears to reduce their speed. This is called engine braking. 

Engine braking is often done to reduce damage to a vehicle’s brake pads, but it also results in more strain on your drivetrain. By sticking to using the brakes instead of shifting gears, you can avoid any unnecessary abrasion to the clutch and transmission. This will help you keep your car in good health.

6) Change Your Filters Regularly

Over time, your car’s oil and air filters may become clogged, so you’ll need to clean and replace them regularly. 

Typically, filters are replaced as a part of scheduled car maintenance. At In Town Automotive, our car servicing experts can change your filters when necessary to ensure that your car is functioning optimally. Contact us to book an appointment today.

Alternatively, you can change the filters yourself or attempt to prolong the life of your car’s filters by washing them. Consult your owner’s manual for advice regarding filter cleaning and changes and use genuine parts for the best results.

7) Drive Responsibly

Caring for your car begins behind the wheel. The way you drive can impact the health of your car more than you’d expect. For that reason, you need to consciously think about your driving habits when you’re learning how to extend the life of your car.

By accelerating, changing gears, and braking smoothly, you can keep your car components in good shape and save money on fuel. And don’t forget the importance of route planning. Try to avoid poor-quality roads and potholes to preserve your suspension and tyres. 

Choose In Town Automotive to Extend the Life of Your Car

Spotting signs of minor issues and taking care of them before they escalate is key to extending the life of your car. That’s what makes regular checks a necessity if you want to avoid a life without your car.

Conducting routine inspections and taking your car for regular servicing will enable you to spot problems before they transform into expensive repair bills and prevent any major issues. 

Now that you know how to extend the life of your car, it’s time to put these ideas into practice. With our vehicle repair specialists by your side, the pressure is off your shoulders.

At In Town Automotive, we provide various car repair and vehicle maintenance services to keep your car in pristine condition. 

From repairing brakes and exhausts to MOTs, DPF cleaning and turbo replacements, our award-winning garage in Northampton is here to help. 

When you entrust your vehicle to us, you can rest assured that it’s in good hands. Our skilled technicians are knowledgeable on all things cars and understand exactly how to enhance the performance of your vehicle.

To learn more about us, visit our services page or contact us to book an appointment today.