5 Great Tips to Maintain the Lifespan of Your Car
Written by DriveAxis.ca May 03, 2023
At DriveAxis, we pride ourselves on our meticulous attention to every single pre-owned car we sell, and we back it up with a 150-point inspection to make sure you’re driving off comfortably, and with peace of mind. However, our diligence and commitment to quality only goes so far, and it’s up to every driver to put in some time to learn how to properly maintain their car for the long haul. Thankfully, this is much easier than it sounds!
The basics apply here, but it’s good to take a quick refresher course to make sure you’re checking off all the boxes on your car maintenance list, especially if you’re a new driver. Doing so will make sure that you’re keeping your car in tip top shape so that it avoids a lot of unnecessary and costly troubles down the road. Read on to learn more.
READ THAT OWNER’S MANUAL
Yes, every car is different, and each one will require you to familiarize yourself with its inner workings, as well as the recommended maintenance schedule. Oil and filter changes, tire rotations and other maintenance should be listed so you can keep tabs on things. It also includes handy info for do-it-yourself tasks - everything from topping up windshield wiper fluid, to checking oil. Consider the owner’s manual as a one-stop guide to everything single thing you need to know about your vehicle, so you’ll never be caught by surprise.
OIL, FLUIDS AND OTHER
Changing your car’s oil is vital for maintaining the engine, and keeping it running smooth at all times. Failure to change it regularly can lead to some particularly nasty problems which will cost you quite a bit of dough. Better to err on the side of caution and stick to the recommended maintenance schedule. That way, you’ll always be sure that your oil is topped up and fresh. Also, bear in mind the type of oil your car requires to run properly, and don’t deviate. Some cars require synthetic oil for proper engine performance, and there’s no sense going with another kind.
Next are the basic fluids that keep the car in proper working order. These include brake, transmission, power steering and wiper fluids, as well as coolant. Since there are several of these particular items to keep track of, you can always ask your mechanic to keep tabs on these fluids whenever you take your car in for an oil change. Most shops will record your mileage and maintenance visits so they can create a customized schedule for your benefit and convenience.
While you’re at it, make sure to check your car’s air filters, as well. Dirty or clogged air filters can cause serious damage to engine components, not to mention hamper the performance and fuel efficiency of your car. Thankfully, air filters are quite affordable, and they tend to last a while before they need replacing.
KEEP YOUR TIRES PROPERLY INFLATED
Improperly inflated tires are unfortunately a common sight on Canadian roads, mostly because many drivers aren’t aware of just how important it is to maintain proper balance. Too little, or too much air in a car’s tire can cause uneven tread wear, poor fuel economy, or in some cases, a dangerous blowout on the road. Plus, you’ll be buying replacement tires more often, and unnecessarily so. Every car’s recommended tire inflation stats are located on the inside of the driver’s door, so be sure to keep tabs on the pressure at least once a month.
This is especially vital for Canadian drivers, since rapid temperature fluctuations through the seasons can affect tire pressure in a big way. For those of you who swap summer and winter rims throughout the year, ask your mechanic to top up the tire pressure before leaving the shop, or do it yourself at the first available opportunity.
TACKLE REPAIRS IMMEDIATELY
If you are in need of a repair, whether minor or major, make sure to get the work done immediately, or you could be exacerbating the problem into a far more costly one. This can take many forms, from small fender benders to odd warning lights popping up out of the blue, signaling a potential problem.
Similarly, pay close attention to the feel of a car while driving. Shakiness or loud noises when steering or turning could be a sign of a worn out wheel bearing, which is a potentially dangerous scenario. It may be tempting to put off repairs until the end of the month, or procrastinate until it’s more convenient, but your safety simply isn’t worth the risk. Plus, your pocketbook will thank you!
DRIVE NICELY
We all love to drive our cars like horses galloping down the track from time to time, but the harder you are on your car, the harsher it will respond. While it’s fun to floor the gas pedal every now and then, you can avoid other bad driving habits that put unnecessary strain on your car, which will wear it out much faster. Sudden, hard braking, as well as harsh turns, failure to avoid bumps and pot-holes, and other rough driving habits won’t do your car any favors, and you may find your repair bills racking up in no time.
The more you drive your car, the more attuned you will become to its characteristics, and soon, it’ll feel like second nature. Take that opportunity to learn how to drive the car in a way you best enjoy, while avoiding driving habits that will cause undue strain. Those with manual transmission or paddle shifters can avoid a lot of wear by downshifting when approaching a full stop, as opposed to simply hammering the brakes all the time. It’s the little things that count, and the nicer you treat your car, the more she’ll pay it back to you.
CONCLUSION
DriveAxis is ready to help you find your next pre-owned vehicle, and we’ll get you started with our aforementioned 150-point inspection, which will give you full confidence when you drive away. Having trouble choosing a car from our vast inventory? Contact us today, and we’ll help you find the best selection that suits your lifestyle, family and needs.
We’ll even handle all the financing in-house, so you won’t need to worry about your credit score or history. Everyone gets approved, so don’t delay! It’s time you drove away in a new car that you can call your own!
