No car is made to last forever. You can make your car last longer, though, if you pay attention to a few simple things.
How to make a car last longer
People who buy a new car usually want to drive it for as long as they can. The expensive item should be worth it, after all. In Australia, people drive their cars for an average of 10 to 11 years before they take them to a scrap dealer like WA Auto Parts. If the vehicles were built with high-quality, modern materials, they will also wear and tear less. This means that the expected life of the service can be up to 15 years. But if you do what is said below, you can keep your car for a lot longer.
Changing the oil on a regular basis keeps the engine young.
Your car’s engine is its heart, so you need to make sure it always has enough oil. So, it’s very important to check the oil level often and change the oil on a regular basis. You should change the oil every 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers, depending on the type and model of the car.
TIP: Make sure to check the quality of the oil. Oil from “no name brands” often doesn’t meet the standards for giving the engine the best lubrication. The wear on the parts can only be reduced if the engine is well lubricated.
Keeping appointments for maintenance
Every car has a schedule for maintenance that should be followed as closely as possible. A specialist workshop is the only place that can find hidden damage in time because they have the right tools and experience. Of course, maintenance costs money, but it’s worth it if it makes the car last longer. Also, repairs usually cost a lot more.
Don’t put off repairs
You shouldn’t wait too long if you still need to fix something. If not, there is a chance of damage that could completely ruin the engine. Also, putting off repairs can quickly put the driver and other people on the road in danger. For example, a worn brake can have terrible effects.
Read our special article here to find out how you can still save money on a trip to the workshop.
Taking short trips hurts the car.
You don’t have to drive short distances. It’s also easy to walk to the bakery down the street. The engine’s operating temperature is a problem that comes up when you take short trips. If the engine temperature is too low, the oil won’t get hot enough to keep the engine running smoothly. It takes about ten minutes for a normal gasoline engine to get to the right temperature to run. It usually takes even longer for diesel units to warm up.
TIP: You should be as careful as possible when speeding up and paying attention to low engine speeds until the engine reaches its operating temperature. Cavalier starts are bad for any engine and only shorten the life of the vehicle for no good reason.
Keep an eye on the engine speed.
When driving, it’s important to keep an eye on the engine speed. When the engine runs too fast, it wears out faster and breaks down. But not revving the engine enough can also hurt it because it puts too much stress on the crankshaft.
NOTE: The ADAC says that the best torque for a regular car is between 1500 and 3000 rpm.
The conclusion
You can make your car last longer if you take good care of it and follow the advice. Some cars can last for 15 to 18 years, and some can even become classic cars that people want.
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More exciting articles to help you extend the life of your car:
- Overview of the different types of car engines
- How do I recognize a broken clutch and what do I have to do?
- Defect in the turbocharger
- How can I recognize a broken alternator (LiMa) and what does the repair cost?
- Is my shock absorber broken? What does the repair cost?
- Symptoms and costs of a broken cycling head gasket.
- When do I have to change the timing belt and what does it cost?
- What is an EGR valve and how can you tell if it’s broken?
- If your car does eventually give up the ghost for good, it’s best to take it to a car recycling center near you (see our overview of car recycling centers throughout Australia).