Maintenance Tips to Increase the Life of Your Auto in Fort Collins, CO
Whether you have an older car or your car is brand new, as a Fort Collins resident you should always be thinking about how you can keep it in the best condition possible so it lasts a long time. The longer your car lasts equates to less money you'll have to spend on it in the future for auto repairs. You can keep your car running smoothly for years into the future with proper maintenance.
Many car owners don't know where to begin when it comes to properly taking care of their vehicles. Some have a general idea of what to do and really just need guidance in the right direction to get going.
Here are five ways you can properly maintain your car so it lasts longer.
Frequent oil changes
It's important that your vehicle's oil is changed at the appropriate times so your car can continue to run at peak performance. Most mechanics leave a sticker on your vehicle when they do an oil change, with a number on it. The number on that sticker correlates to the mileage at which you need to bring your car back in for another oil change. Typically this number is around 5,000 miles from the time of your last oil change, but it can vary depending on the mechanic and what type of oil was used.
Another factor to consider is high-mileage oil. If you have an older vehicle with a lot of miles on it then you might want to opt for high-mileage oil, because it will be better for your car. If your mechanic doesn't already suggest it then it's worth talking with them about it.
Long drives
Believe it or not, driving your vehicle helps it perform better. Vehicles were made to be driven, and taking yours out on a long drive every once in a while will give your car a chance to operate at maximum output for an extended period of time.
Doing this can help clear sludge from the engine and allow your belts to smoothly operate for a long period of time without needing to start and stop all the time. If your engine light comes on, many car experts suggest taking your vehicle on a long drive to see if it solves the problem before taking it to a mechanic.
Additionally, long drives are great because if you can do it on the highway then you won't have to worry about any wear on your brakes.
Brake checks
Your brakes are one of the most important parts of your vehicle for safety reasons. That's why it's important to do a brake check every month or so to make sure your car is stopping quickly enough.
You can perform a brake check by driving to an uncrowded area and hitting the brakes hard so your car stops quickly. If you notice your car not stopping as quickly as it should, then it might mean it's time for new brakes.
Scheduled maintenance checks
Once a year you should schedule a maintenance check for your car, even if it doesn't seem like anything is wrong. It gives your mechanic a chance to go over the entire vehicle and jump on any problems early, which could save you money in the future.
Many people avoid doing this because it can be costly, but it helps preserve the life of a vehicle. You go to a yearly check-up with your doctor to make sure everything is alright, so it's only right that your car does the same with your mechanic.
Check for rust
Besides taking your vehicle in and having your mechanic check it, you can also look it over when you're entering and exiting the car. You'll want to check for any signs of debris in your wheels or rust developing on any part of your vehicle.
Rust can do a lot of damage to a car if it's left unchecked. It can eat away at vital pieces of your vehicle that are essential for driving and cost thousands of dollars to replace. A quick scan over the outside of your vehicle and under the hood can save you both time and money.
Conclusion
Properly maintaining your vehicle by doing these five things can save you money and time in the long run. Even if you're only making the smallest effort to maintain your car, like getting the oil changed and checking your breaks, this will help your vehicle last much longer than it would without it.
Don't take your car for granted, whether it's old or new. Take care of it and it'll last you many years and save you a ton of money.
Weston Auto Service is an auto repair specialist located in Fort Collins, Colorado. We are ASE-certified mechanics specializing in foreign and domestic auto repair. For a free diagnostic and full analysis of your car problem please contact us or call us at 970-377-3333.