You probably heard about cars that can last for miles and years, and it is not always about buying the best car available in the market. The secret to a car’s long life is maintenance. Many people ignore the car manual and only get their car checked when it breaks down. To help you properly maintain your car, here are some tips you should follow.
Change Brake Fluid
Your car will not halt if you do not have enough brake fluid. Make sure you inspect and replenish it as needed. Check your car’s manual or ask the manufacturer how often you should change your brake fluid, but many mechanics recommend changing it every 45,000 miles or every two years.
If you live in an area with high humidity, you should inspect and test for the fluid’s moisture content every two to five years. Check it more frequently if you live in an area that gets snow since contaminants such as salt can enter the brake fluid.
Perform a Check-Up
Depending on how frequently you drive, you should get your car checked around the six-month mark of operation. A mechanic will take a look at your car to see if the tires, brakes, steering, and lights are in tip-top shape. They can also inspect for anything that needs to get repaired or replaced. By getting your car checked up regularly, you can spot problems before they occur, which means you can avoid costly repairs due to massive breakdowns. Choose a repair shop that specializes in your car’s brand. For instance, if you own a Subaru, it’s best to go to a Subaru auto repair shop.
Combat Sludge
When you deal with heavy traffic every day, expect to deal with sludge, as well. It is a black-colored, gooey substance that is a petroleum byproduct that can build up in your engine and is probably why you have engine problems. To extend your engine’s life and reduce sludge buildup, you should change the engine oil. Read your car manual for the recommended intervals for changing the engine oil.
Perform Oil Change
Maintaining the right amount of oil in your engine is the simplest way you can make your car last for a long time. The oil disperses heat and will keep your car’s parts lubricated. Without it, your car can face a lot of damage, such as engine failure. A blown engine is dangerous, plus it leads to costly rebuilds or repairs, so stay on top of oil-change intervals. Most owner’s manuals will tell you to change the filter and oil every 5,000 to 10,000 miles.
Rotate the Tires
You want your tires to last because they are expensive. Again, you should check the owner’s manual to know when you should get their alignment checked and when you should rotate them. Timely rotation of tires makes sure they evenly wear. To get more miles from every tire, you should also maintain the right tire pressure.
You can make your car last for years if you take care of it the right way. Remember to follow the simple tips above to keep it in tip-top condition.
