“Electric word, life. It means forever and that’s a mighty long time.” ~ Prince
In a perfect world, our cars would last forever. But reality is not so perfect, so we have to deal with unexpected mechanical problems and, ultimately, the day when a car must be retired. The good news is, the lifespan of your vehicle is partly within your control. While every car is different, there are a handful of universal habits that can help keep your used car running longer.
1. Routine maintenance is a must. Get in the habit of scheduling routine maintenance for your car to ensure that it’s optimized for peak performance. Routine maintenance consists of changing filters, oil, windshield wipers, battery testing, lights, brake pads, and fuses. Check your owner’s manual for detailed recommendations that apply to your vehicle.
2. Listen for unusual noises. Have you ever been driving and heard a pop? Or perhaps you notice your brakes are squeaky? Any unusual noise made by your car could indicate a bigger issue. Turn off the radio periodically to listen to your car for any odd sounds, both at idle and while driving. If you do hear strange noises, give us a call at Germain Honda and we can help you troubleshoot.
3. Drive smarter. Don’t immediately rev up your car after starting. Allow a few seconds for the engine to warm up and the oil pump to lubricate the engine. While driving, take it easy on the brakes. In addition, before shifting in reverse, make sure your car is at a complete stop to help avoid undue stress on transmission components.
4. Check fluids and pressure. It’s important to check your vehicle’s fluids and tire pressure regularly. To check your car’s oil, simply take a rag or paper towel, open the hood and pull out the oil dipstick. Wipe the dipstick clean, reinsert it and pull it out again. Take a look at the where the oil has marked the dipstick in relation to where the mark should be. While you’re at it, check the radiator fluid and the power steering fluid. Adequate fluid levels are essential to your car’s health. Lastly, check your tire pressure using a pressure gauge to make sure each tire has the proper PSI (pounds per square inch). Again, refer to your owner’s manual for the recommended tire pressure.
5. Be aware. Cautious driving may be the biggest step you can take towards keeping your car running. Although you may consider yourself a good driver, you always need to be aware of others. Slow down at intersections and look for other vehicles, even if you have the right of way. Keep your eyes scanning your surroundings and always check your blind spot before changing lanes or merging. While driving, try to stay at least a car’s length away from the person in front of you. Remember, safety is always number one.
No car will live forever, but these tips can help your vehicle last “a mighty long time.”
For all of your car’s service, maintenance or repairs, trust Germain Honda’s factory-trained technicians to get you back on the highway. To schedule an appointment, fill out our Honda service request form or contact us directly at 888-658-8438.
Sources
http://money.msn.com/car-buying/make-your-car-last-250000-miles-weston.aspx?page=2
http://www.edmunds.com/car-care/top-five-ways-to-make-your-car-run-forever.html
http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/2011/05/16/11-car-maintenance-tasks-you-can-do-yourself
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