Last Updated on May 23, 2025 by Caesar
Buying a new or a used car gives one a sense of accomplishment, particularly if they have been desiring it for a long time. Some people even save money for years just to buy their dream car. Regardless of the car model or price, buyers seek to protect their investment and ensure it lasts long.
Proper maintenance is the key to extending a vehicle’s life and ensuring that it functions properly to avoid accidents or breakdowns. Here are some quick tips car owners should remember to keep their cars in great condition for longer.
Adhere to the Manufacturer’s Maintenance Schedule
Every car manufacturer provides a maintenance checklist and a schedule that the car owner should adhere to. Choosing to ignore this schedule shortens the lifespan of the car and increases the risk of a malfunction. So, car owners need to find experienced mechanics specializing in auto repair in Longwood, FL, to inspect, diagnose, and fix their vehicles.
A certified mechanic will inspect brakes, change oil, perform tire rotations, and provide other vital services. All these services prevent major problems that could cause breakdown.
Avoid Bad Driving Habits
Bad driving habits like braking hard, turning abruptly at high speeds, and accelerating fast can affect the tires, so they will lose tread and require replacement sooner. Braking hard regularly also causes a sudden deterioration of the brake pads. Some drivers like to accelerate their cars fast. Although strong acceleration may not necessarily be one of the worst things, it can harm the engine parts if it’s done when the engine is still cold.
Drivers also need to avoid potholes. Hitting a pothole can easily damage the suspension system, exhaust, and tires. If the pothole is deep, the impact of hitting it could damage the catalytic converter and cause the car to lose power. So, drivers should avoid potholes at all costs.
Don’t Ignore the Tires
Tires play a vital role in a car’s functionality, so the car’s integrity may be compromised if the tires are not in good shape. Experts recommend keeping tires inflated to the recommended pressure to avoid uneven wear and blowouts. It is also essential to rotate the tires to ensure they don’t wear uniformly. Ignoring tire rotation could reduce the useful life of the tires.
Change Oil and Top up Fluids Often
A vehicle relies on the engine to move from one point to another, but the engine cannot work without engine oil. So, the engine oil and gas are the vehicle’s lifeblood. The oil lubricates all the moving parts, prevents overheating, and minimizes friction.
The oil needs to be drained and replaced often to avoid damaging the engine. It is important to check the owner’s manual to know the oil change intervals recommended by the manufacturer, and then stick to them.
Besides the engine oil, the car relies on other important fluids like power steering, transmission, coolant, and brake fluid to operate smoothly. It is important to check the fluid levels regularly and top them up. Low fluid levels cause poor braking performance, overheating, and other serious mechanical problems.
Car owners who adhere to these simple car maintenance tips extend their vehicle’s life and avoid unexpected breakdowns. Car owners should always work with reputable and experienced mechanics and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. This keeps maintenance costs low and prevents mistakes during repairs.
