How to Maximize your Cars Longevity
If you've ever shopped for a car or even killed some time by browsing dealership lots on a Sunday, you will learn something quickly. Cars are not cheap. Even today's used cars cost far more than new ones once did. So, you may be wondering if there's a point to such a revelation. There certainly is. A car will likely be one of the most expensive tangible assets in an individual's possession. Thus, it is in an owner's best interests to preserve such an item for as long as possible. For example, very few people would buy a $250,000 house only to let things like roof shingles, paint, carpeting, tiles, plumbing, wiring, or any other number of features deteriorate. After all, that house is an investment, right?
A car can also be thought of as an investment, but just from a different perspective. While it's no secret that most vehicles depreciate while homes typically go up in value, why replace a car faster than you have to? Extending the longevity of a car will save individuals thousands of dollars over the course of their lifetimes. Those that continuously replace their vehicles every few years through purchasing or leasing will have a never-ending monthly payment obligation while those who keep driving the same car for several years after it's paid off can avoid such a commitment much more frequently. In short, a great way to enjoy other things in life is to keep that old car until it either falls apart or is in need of a repair that would cost more than it would be worth.
So how can this be done? How can you instilllongevity in that car? The following tips will provide the answer:
Maintenance
Read that owner's manual as soon as you park that new (or new to you) car in your driveway. Become familiar with that make and model's maintenance schedule and follow it religiously. Don't try to cut corners by postponing recommended services or by trying to save a few bucks on inferior fluids and/or parts. Above all, especially if you purchased a brand new car, take it to the dealership for such service. The technicians there are trained in the upkeep of your specific car and know exactly what is required to keep it in optimum condition. This may be more expensive initially, but a quality dealership will be far more apt to perform such work correctly, and moreover, it will be done right the first time. Taking a $50,000 BMW or Cadillac to Billy Bob's Auto Repair or Wal Mart as opposed to their respective dealership's service departments would not only prove to be a risky undertaking, but could also void the factory warranty. It also doesn't hurt to change the engine oil about twice as often as recommended. Compared to cars of yesteryear, many if not most of today's cars have longer intervals between oil changes, but think of how much better your internal engine parts would be lubricated by still adhering to 3000 mile intervals as opposed to 5000 or 7500. Synthetic oils, while more expensive, have also been proven to extend engine life.
Look and listen
Pay attention to warning lights on your car's instrument cluster. Listen for odd noises under the hood or in the car's cabin. Even if you have the mechanical aptitude of a tadpole, staying on top of these things is not difficult. Sensors and monitoring devices are there with such lay people in mind and have greatly contributed to today's cars lasting far longer than their predecessors. Taking that vehicle in at the first sign of something going awry could very well prevent a catastrophic failure, and this is precisely why these modern-day "idiot lights" exist. Do not ignore them or assume that the problem will go away on its own.
Appearance
Keep your car clean. Polish and wax that paint job, and don't neglect the undersides of doors or the hood, either. A coat of quality wax will go a long ways in protecting your car's finish against tree sap, bird droppings, acid rain, and even untraviolet sunlight. Wash your car at least once a week to free up dirt, grime, and road tar. If you live in a cold climate where road salt is used to melt ice and snow, it is prudent to keep up with regular washings, because the chemicals used to keep roadways clear also accelerate corrosion. A rusty car not only looks awful, but the structural integrity of the body and undercarriage is also compromised. Keep your car's interior clean as well. Dirt and/or stains on the carpeting, upholstery, or dashboard can grind right into the material and make it look unsightly and shorten its life.
Driving habits
How you drive can greatly affect your car's longevity. Safe driving habits reduce wear and tear and also saves fuel. Taking off from a green traffic light at breakneck speed only to stop abruptly at the next intersection not only accomplishes nothing, but puts a needless strain on the engine, transmission, and brakes. Adopting a sensible driving protocol will equate to a longer useful life for these essential components and lower the risks of getting into accidents.
Keeping undercover
A garaged car will stay new-looking far longer than one that is always parked outside. If a garage simply isn't available, the next best thing to have is a car cover. Either of these will protect the car from outdoor elements as described above and greatly lessen the chances of running into it or vandalizing it as it's parked outdoors. It doesn't matter where the car is parked, for the fact remains that no neighborhood is exempt from careless drivers or thoughtless jerks that may decide to run a key across your paint for kicks.
It costs more than ever before to maintain a car these days, but by adhering to the advice as listed above, one can expect to hold onto that car for many enjoyable and dependable years of service.
