All posts tagged car life

Your car is probably one of your most expensive possessions, and that is why you should be doing everything in your power to extend its service life. Most modern cars are designed to last for decades, but severe damage can take place at any time if you aren’t careful. Any issues with the primary mechanical systems could result in expensive repairs or even a dangerous collision. Here are four tips you can use to make sure that your car runs smoothly and efficiently in the coming years.

Change the Filters More Often

In addition to changing your oil filter on a regular basis, you also need to change your air filter as often as possible. Depending on how much you use your vehicle and what type of driving you do, you might need to change the air filter as often as once every 15,000 miles. The air filter keeps a variety of contaminants out of the engine including exhaust from other vehicles, smog, and dust. A dirty air filter can reduce your engine’s efficiency by nearly 11 percent, and that can have a major impact on its lifespan.

Wash and Wax

Your car’s paint is its first line of defense against environmental damage, and that is why you need to keep it clean and waxed. Allowing grime to sit on the paint for too long can cause chips, cracks, and discoloration. Once the bare metal is exposed, rust will become a very real threat. Every new vehicle is slightly different, but most cars and trucks should be thoroughly cleaned once every few weeks. You should also consider washing your vehicle if you have recently driven through water or snow.

Rotate and Align the Tires

When tires become worn, cracked, or misaligned, it is going to impact almost every major mechanical system in the vehicle. Losing just a few pounds of pressure in a single tire can wreak havoc on the engine’s efficiency and increase your risk of a devastating accident. Even if you don’t drive the vehicle very often, you should still check the tires once every few weeks. The tires should be changed if you notice any cracks or the tread is starting to disappear.  Use professionals, like those at Evans Tire & Service Centers, to replace or repair any damaged tires.

Clean the Interior

There are a few different reasons why you should try to keep your car’s interior as clean as possible. Many stains will become nearly impossible to remove after a few hours, and that can cause your vehicle’s value to plummet. You also want to be sure that you don’t carry around heavy loads wherever you go. Every additional pound that is in the vehicle is going to reduce the car’s efficiency, and you might be driving around with dozens of pounds of possessions in your trunk or back seat.

Whenever any work is done on your vehicle, you need to make sure that it is carried out by a reputable mechanic. While some of these projects might seem relatively easy, they could be more complicated than you realize. An experienced and reputable mechanic will stand by their work, and that will give you peace of mind the next time you get behind the wheel of your vehicle.