Buying a car is certainly expensive, and most cars won’t go up in value once you’ve bought them. This means that once you have your car, you will need to drive it for as long as possible to get your money’s worth!
Luckily for you, this can be done in a few easy steps and added investment in your car. Keep reading to see what options you have to keep your car running as long as possible.
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1. Subscribe to A Car Roadside Protection/Service Membership
All cars are at risk of a breakdown at some point. It might not happen for years, but you never know when a flat tire or an old belt will leave you on the side of the road.
Fortunately, there are plenty of auto service memberships that you can invest in that will help you in case of these disasters.
Options like CarShield will offer this helpful roadside assistance resource for its members, along with other coverage perks. Resources like this can be helpful for you if you’re ever stranded, but will also provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones as well!
Being able to have access to quick service on a vehicle will help extend its lifespan because you won’t ever have to drive a mile with a faulty belt, transmission, or tire.
Also read: How Many Types of Motor Insurance are There
2. Use Regular Preventative Maintenance
One of the most effective things you can do to keep your car going is to maintain it regularly.
Getting maintenance before you need emergency repairs will save you both headaches and years of running time on your vehicle! The fewer breakdowns that your car has in its life, will mean less wear and tear on the rest of the parts.
By having professionals look at your vehicle regularly, you can be guaranteed that if there are any problems developing, they will be found and fixed before they cause you to have a major breakdown.
3. Get High-Quality Oil During your Oil Changes
To give your car the longest life possible, make sure that you get an oil change every 4 months. If you drive frequently enough, you may need it more often, in which case you should change it roughly every 2,000 miles.
When you go for your oil change, make sure to pick out the highest quality oil that you are able to. This will become more and more important as your car gets older.
If your vehicle is relatively new, you can get away with cheaper oil, but your vehicle will last longer and stay functional for longer if you make this investment.
Also read: Tips To Negotiate A Lower Car Insurance Premium
4. Use Long-Term Covered Storage
Protecting your car from bad weather and intense direct sunlight will add years, if not decades, to your car’s life. If you use a public garage or a private garage attached to your home, your vehicle will be far safer and sustain less damage than if it were out in the open.
UV rays from the sun can destroy the paintwork on a car, making it more likely to develop rust and then leaks and other body problems. Other weather events like strong winds and hail will also wreak havoc on your vehicle.
While protecting your car, garages can also be a lovely addition to your home if you’re in the market.
Final Thoughts
Preventing damage to your vehicle is the name of the game when it comes to extending its life.
You can do this with a few extra investments, like using a roadside assistance service, regular preventative maintenance, covered storage, and putting in high-quality oil every 2,000 miles.
If you put in the extra dollars now, you can put off needing a new car for many more years!