How To Make Your Car Last Longer
Follow the service schedule
Servicing your car isn’t a legal requirement, unlike an MOT, but it does have many benefits if you do so in line with the manufacturer’s service schedule. It not only helps to keep your car running at its optimal performance, but it’ll also improve its resale value in addition to helping you identify and get any problems fixed before they become potentially dangerous.
You’ll be able to find your car's service schedule in your vehicle handbook, but generally you’ll want to have a minor service once a year and a major one once every three years. A minor service includes things such as an oil change and air filter replacement, while a major service includes spark plug and cambelt replacement if needed.
Check your liquids
Engine oil, coolant and transmission fluid are your car's lifeblood and are essential to keep your engine in top condition.
Check your engine oil once a fortnight, ensuring your car is on level ground. The oil should sit between the minimum and maximum markers on the dipstick and be a yellow-brown colour if you have a petrol but it’s ok if it’s a little dark if you have a diesel. This is because diesels naturally accumulate soot as a by-product of the combustion process. Also ensure your coolant is at the right level as well as your transmission fluid.
Also make sure to regularly top up your screenwash so you have ultimate visibility while driving.
Don’t ignore the battery
If you don’t use your car regularly enough, the battery will go flat. Jump starts are ok now and again, however they do put a lot of strain on the car and can cause damage to the electrics.
A better solution is to start your car everyday, even if you’re not going to be driving it and drive it at least once a week, to keep the battery charged up.
Warm up your car correctly
When you first start your car, the engine oil needs time to warm up to be effective at lubricating parts of the engine. However, while many people leave the car to sit idling, it’s actually better to set off and drive it gently, as it’ll warm up better under load.
Leave the engine to idle for 30 seconds to a minute when you first start the car and then drive gently until the temperature gauge gets up to the correct temperature. Don’t excessively rev the engine when it’s cold, as this can cause more harm than good.
Keep your car clean
This may seem like an odd one, but over time dirt, grit, road salt and other debris from driving can accumulate on your car and cause rust and corrosion. It’s especially important to clean your undercarriage thoroughly as all these components are exposed, and any damage will give them a shorter life.
Waxing your paintwork is always a good idea when you come to wash your car too, to add that extra seal of protection.
If you’re worried about mechanical or electrical components on your car failing, a warranty can give you reassurance and peace of mind from unexpected repair costs. We provide AA warranty coverage here at Essex Car Company, and you can find out more about what each of our packages include by visiting our page.