A typical driver in the United States spends nearly $800 a year on car maintenance, according to AAA’s annual Your Driving Costs study. While that may seem like a lot of money, not maintaining your vehicle can end up costing you way more in the long run!
5 Tips to Extend the Life of Your Vehicle
If you want your car to have a chance at reaching 700,000 miles, you want to make sure that you aren’t ignoring recommended maintenance that can help extend the life of your vehicle:
1. Keep up with oil changes. When oil levels are low, or oil is old, added friction between moving parts can cause wear and tear to the engine. Follow your owner’s manual to determine the best intervals for changing oil. Check the brakes every time the oil is changed.
2. Take care of your tires. Check and maintain proper tire pressure. Tires inflated within five pounds per square inch (PSI) of their recommended level improve gas mileage and general handling of your vehicle. Recommended PSI can be found in the owner’s manual. Rotate tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles.
3. Check vehicle fluids. Vehicles rely on transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid and properly mixed coolant to run. Fluids need to be topped off for optimal vehicle performance throughout the life of the vehicle.
4. Change air filters regularly. Dust and grime accumulates over time and can negatively impact gas mileage and engine performance.
5. Take care of minor repairs when they arise. New noises or changes in the drivability of a vehicle should be checked out promptly.
The easiest way to stay on top of recommended maintenance is to check your owner’s manual. Don’t be like the other 35% of Americans who skip or delay service/repairs that were recommended by a mechanic. It always ends up costing you more in the long-run.
YourMechanic has put together an easy-to-follow routine maintenance checklist that tracks suggested maintenance by time interval and mileage. Check it out!
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