With many cutting their budgets and waiting to replace their older cars, the average age of a car on the road is now about 9.4 years old (Source: R. L. Polk & Co). Since more people are opting to repair their old vehicles, car shops around the country are seeing a boost in business.
If you are waiting to purchase a new vehicle and your car is more than five years old, here are some tips to keep it healthy and to prolong its life. But remember, if you are spending more money on repairs and check-ups than your car is worth, it may be time to consider getting a new car.
1. Look Beyond your Oil Filter
Everyone knows to change their oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles or so, but we often overlook other important filters and fluids like (antifreeze, brake and transmission). One important filter to check is your air filter. After a period of time, your air air filter may become clogged, causing your engine to work harder and decreasing your fuel economy.
2. Inflate Those Tires
It is not only important to keep check your tires for the right inflation pressure, but you should also looks for signs of excessive wear, which may indicate it is time to get your tires changed. You should also consider getting your tires rotated every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, even if your tires don’t show signs of wear.
3. Don’t Ignore Warning Signs
Is your check engine light on again? You may not want to ignore this indicator, or any other warning light on your car’s dashboard, especially if your car is old. Warning lights are there for a reason, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. You may be tempted to self-diagnose your car’s problems online, but is usually best to have your mechanic take a look just in case.
4. Get Regular Checkups
Just like you need an annual physical, a routine check up can catch any minor issues before they escalate into major expensive problems. It is also important to take your car to the same mechanic for these check-ups or to share previous maintenance records with your new mechanic so you don’t end up paying for unnecessary repairs and services.
5. Find a Trusted Mechanic and Establish a Good Relationship
Jumping from mechanic to mechanic is similar to going to a different doctor each time you’re sick. Most auto repair shops will have an electronic record of all past services on your car so you won’t be charged for repeat services. A good mechanic can help you spot potential problems even before they occur and can help you make an informed decision if you must make a costly repair. If you are unhappy with your current mechanic, you may want to ask around or and read our guide to finding a good mechanic you can trust.
6. Don’t Leave Your Car Outside
While it may be easier to park your car outside, it is best to store your car in a garage or somewhere out of the sun. During the summer, intense direct sunlight can cause some car interiors and dashboards to wear prematurely as well as cause your car’s finish to fade.
Got more tips to keep your car living longer? Let us know! We are always open to more tips!
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What if I don’t have a garage that I can store my car in? My 1991 Pontiac Bonneville has been living in various driveways and parking lots since I bought it in November of 2003 and hasn’t dealt with too much. As long as the sun doesn’t do anything to the mechanical systems, I’m fine with it.
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