Whether you are new to the Crossville region or a lifelong resident, you have a vested interest in extending the life of your car. Buying a new car is a hassle, and an expensive one – it is far better to make the car you already own last as long as possible, and that means caring for it the right way.
In decades past, having a car go over 100,000 miles was a rare accomplishment, one that was worthy of celebration. These days, however, reaching that 100,000 mile mark is not so unusual. When properly maintained, modern vehicles can easily reach, and exceed, that previously unthinkable milestone. If you care for your car the right way, you could rack up 200,000 miles or even more. Here are some proven ways to keep your vehicle running longer and stronger.
Stay on Schedule – Change Your Oil Regularly
If you are looking for a single thing you can do to extend the life of your car, just change the oil regularly. While every piece of preventative maintenance is important, none is as critical as the regular oil change.
Check your owner’s manual for the recommended oil change interval, then keep your vehicle on track. Over time, the oil coursing through your engine loses its ability to protect the delicate internal parts, and that breakdown puts your car at risk. By changing the oil regularly, you can extend the life of the engine and put your car on the road to 200,000 miles or more.
Prevent Rust – Protect Your Paint
It is important to protect your engine, but you need to protect your car’s body as well. Rust can stop you dead in your tracks, even if your engine is still running strong.
Residents of Tennessee do not face the same winter weather as drivers in other parts of the country, but there are still occasional snow and ice storms here. The salt used on the roads during that winter weather can damage the metal on your car and make rust more likely, so be sure to wash your vehicle as soon as you can. Whether that means hooking up the hose or hitting the car wash, it is important to protect your finish and wash the road salt off the undercarriage of your car.
Care for Your Transmission
A sudden engine problem could leave you stranded, but so could a failing transmission. If you want your car to last more than 200,000 miles, you need to care for your transmission as well as your engine.
Having your transmission flushed and filled is the best way to extend its life and save yourself money over the long run. Just ask your mechanic to flush the transmission and change the filter, removing the old fluid and replacing it with new fluid. This will help protect your transmission, so you can rack up the miles and enjoy greater confidence behind the wheel.
If you can squeeze 200,000 miles out of your current car, you can save a lot of money. Instead of struggling with car payments, you can enjoy tends of thousands more trouble-free miles in your paid-off set of wheels.
