The average car should last around 11 years, or keep running up to 200,000 miles.
If you maintain your car well, your vehicle could end up lasting far longer than the average lifespan. By remaining mindful and taking care of your vehicle, you could save yourself thousands of dollars.
Keep reading for a list of the six best practices when it comes to maintenance for cars.
1. Regular Oil Changes
One of the best and simplest ways to take care of your vehicle is to change the oil often. Oil is what helps lubricate engine parts, so when it runs low or turns funky, this can have an immediate impact on performance. You should change your oil about once every 6 to 12 months.
2. Replace the Belt
Most vehicles have a timing belt that connects the crankshaft to the camshaft and synchronizes with the opening and closing of the engine valves. Over time, these belts wear down and can snap, leading to hefty repair costs to the engine. Avoid this happening by replacing your belt as often as suggested in your owner’s manual.
3. New Car Battery
Inspecting car batteries often for your vehicles can help prevent you from becoming stranded. Car batteries can go dead from being old, leaving something running (like the lights) that drains the battery, or cold weather. If you do happen to find yourself stranded due to a dead battery, Piedmont Towing in the Advance, NC area can provide towing services and roadside assistance to you!
4. Power Steering Fluid
There are many types of cars, but if you have an older make, odds are it has a hydraulic power steering pump. This pump must stay lubricated with power steering fluid, or you’ll find your steering wheel locking up and refusing to turn. Keep this fluid level checked and filled to avoid a replacement cost of hundreds of dollars.
5. Transmission Fluid
Advance maintenance service can help keep your vehicle’s transmission fluid replaced and filled to the proper amount. Transmission fluid helps to cool the transmission and also lubricates moving parts between gears. When this runs low, this can lead to mechanical failures that can lead to hefty repair bills.
6. Flush the Radiator Coolant
Over time, rust and corrosion build up within an engine and can harm it. You should check your owner’s manual to see how often you should keep the coolant replaced. Keeping it changed often can prevent damage to the engine or even the water pump.
Maintain Your Car and Enjoy It for Longer
As you can see, it’s very important to maintain your car if you want to make it last longer than average. A car that is well-maintained will last you years longer and even save you from having to purchase a new vehicle!
However, there are always incidents that will occur that can’t be prevented. If you live in the Advance area of North Carolina and find yourself in need of roadside assistance or towing, let Piedmont Towing help!
Contact us today for all your towing needs!