Expert maintenance tips that can extend the life of a car

In today’s world, cars no longer serve the sole purpose of luxury – they’re a necessity among families as well as business owners, and to ensure their longevity means to get the most out of the total cost.  The good news is there are care and maintenance techniques that guarantee cars will work well for a long time and even extend their lifespan.

Be patient with break-in period

Usually, during the first 1,000 miles, it’s best to keep one’s speed under 55 mph or to what was recommended by the manufacturer.  Avoid heavy loads on the drive train, and use only light to medium acceleration.  Don’t allow the new car to idle for long stretches of time, as the oil pressure produced by doing so many not be sending oil to every part of the engine.

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Learn the meaning of various warning indicators

This is a must even with modern cars’ sophisticated sensors and warning system.  Understand what’s check engine light, service engine light, electrical fault light, brake warning light, ABS warning light, coolant warning light, and oil warning light are all for.

Drive with care every time

Sure, it’s a lean speed machine.  But cars should also be used with care and consideration.  Don’t race the car’s engine during startup, and accelerate slowly once driving starts.  Put less strain on the engine and automatic transmission through shifting to neutral at red lights, and when turning the steering wheel, don’t hold it in an extreme right or left position for more than a couple of seconds.

Maintain wheels and tires properly

Check tire pressures, as well as tread depth.  Rotate tires and have the aligned checked.  Clean the brake dust off the wheels, as it’s the accumulation of different materials that come from the brake rotor and the brake pad itself as they come into contact when the brakes are applied.

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Use gas from reputable service stations

Ask whether the gas you’re about to buy is filtered at the pump and if the station ensures changing the pump filters regularly.  Stations that don’t have pump filters can make one prone to dirty gasoline, while others may not mix alcohol and fuel properly (or even water down their product).

Jeffrey W. Lupient is a native of Minnesota. He started his career in the automotive retail industry when he began working multiple jobs in his family’s chain of dealerships at the age of 15. For more on the automotive industry, click here.