10 Maintenance Tips to Extend the Life of Your Car

10 Maintenance Tips to Extend the Life of Your Car

Taking care of your car, in many ways, is like caring for your health. The newer your car is, the better it runs. But with time, it will start demanding more attention. New or old, all cars need regular maintenance. Whether a private owner, fleet operator, or limousine service provider, essential maintenance not only extend your car’s life, it also helps in retaining the ride quality.

Here are some basic maintenance tips that you can follow to keep your car in perfect running condition for years.

Tips to Extend Car's Life

1. Check the air filter

Clogged air filters are often a major reason behind several car problems. An air filter prevents dirt and dust particles from entering the engine. While burning the fuel, the motor needs air and a clogged filter will affect its performance. Get the filter changed every year or after 12,000 miles, whichever is earlier. Changing the filer is a must as it averts engine problems and also helps you in breathing fresh air inside the car’s cabin. It’s an easy, 10-minute process.

2. Monitor tire pressure and fluid levels

Tires are among the most important car components. Besides increasing the mileage, proper tire pressure upholds the car’s safety and ride comfort. Monitor the tire pressure at least once a week. Inspecting the fluid level is also a necessity. Open your car’s hood, take out the oil dipstick and check the level. Also, check the oil’s colour and replace it at regular intervals. Check the power steering fluid level, belts, and hoses for wear and tear.

Check the battery

3. Check the battery

Get your battery checked every two months. An exhausted battery can leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere. Use a multi-meter to check the battery’s power level, which is usually 12.4-12.7 volts. Check for sulphur deposits on the battery’s cable connection joints. Use a brush to clean off mineral build-up. You can also apply dielectric grease to keep the joints free from corrosion.

4. Change the spark plugs

Worn out spark plugs is often the single biggest reason behind inefficient engine performance. Spark plugs usually last for around 30,000 miles. Replace them at the first sign of trouble. The owner’s manual will have more information about spark plug replacement.

5. Wheel rotation, balancing, and alignment

Regular wheel rotation and balancing help in preventing premature wearing out of tires and makes them last longer. Rotate your wheels every 6,000-8,000 miles. All tires don’t wear out in the same amount. Rotating the rear and front tires help in forging a balance in the wearing levels. Ensure that the wheels are properly aligned. Non-aligned tires could lead to problems with the steering wheel and overall control. Get the wheel balanced and aligned at a tire workshop.

 Wheel rotation, balancing, and alignment

6. Check the brakes

Get your car brakes regularly inspected by a mechanic. Brakes are the most important safety apparatus of a car. Check the brake pedal, pads, and the fluid. Leaking of brake fluids and worn out pads are common issues. Take your car to the mechanic for suspected fluid leaks. This can be checked by mounting the car on the hydraulic and removing the tires.

7. Keep your car covered

A cover protects the car from dents, scratches, bird droppings, and exterior damages. Exposure to nature, especially when the car is not in use, may take a toll on its paint scheme. Also, wash your car regularly and wipe thoroughly to retain the colour and its shine.

Engine cleansing

8. Engine cleansing

Exterior engine cleansing is important to extract better performance from your car. Special cleansers remove dust and debris that gathers on the engine over time. Lift the hood and check for leaks, damaged hoses, broken wires, and all things that help an engine run smoothly.

9. Drive better

Your driving habit will impact the longevity of your car. Avoid fast take offs, taking sharp turns, quick braking, riding over bumps at high speed, and hard shifting of gears. These lead to faster wear and tear and may also cause damage. Quick acceleration and sudden application of brakes will reduce your car’s mileage. Remember, driving smoothly saves money on fuel.

Car tool kit

10. Keep a toolkit handy

Keeping a toolkit in your car is always useful. Keep a pair of thick gloves, wire cutter, electrical tape, screwdrivers (both flat and Philips-head), grove and tongue pliers, knife, and a flashlight inside your car. These will help you tackle minor emergencies.

Also Read: Learn how to remove those stubborn car sticker residues

Purva Jain

Purva Jain

Purva is a crazy admirer of cars and she has got a lot of expertise in their detailing. Though, she has mastered in Economics but cars have always been her field of interest. She is an introvert in talking but when it comes to cars and the latest news regarding them she talks like hell. Exploring new cars as well as the vintage machines is listed in her hobbies while getting to know about the history behind the same are the things which she enjoys the most. She may seem silent from the outside but inside her is a volcano erupting to engulf the mean machines.

Read Full Bio

Sell your car at the best price

Verified and genuine buyers Verified and genuine buyers
Free listing Free listing
List your car

PIMS 2024

You might also be interested in

  • News
  • Featured Stories
  • Upcoming
  • Geely Coolray 2024
    Geely Coolray 2024
    ₱1.199 - 1.299 Million Expected Price Manila
    Expected Launch TBA Alert Me When Launched
  • Kia Carens 2024
    Kia Carens 2024
    ₱1.57 Million Expected Price Manila
    Expected Launch Nov, 2024 Alert Me When Launched
  • Toyota Vios 2024
    Toyota Vios 2024
    ₱832,000 Expected Price Manila
    Expected Launch TBA Alert Me When Launched
  • Omoda E5 ev
    Omoda E5
    ₱1.9 Million Expected Price Manila
    Expected Launch Nov, 2024 Alert Me When Launched
  • MG RX8
    MG RX8
    ₱1.05 Million Expected Price Manila
    Expected Launch Dec, 2024 Alert Me When Launched

Latest Car Videos on Zigwheels

Zigwheels
  • 2024 Toyota Zenix V Spec Guide | Zigwheels.Ph
    2024 Toyota Zenix V Spec Guide | Zigwheels.Ph
    14 Nov, 2024 .
  • 2024 GAC M6 Pro GL Review | Zigwheels.Ph
    2024 GAC M6 Pro GL Review | Zigwheels.Ph
    14 Nov, 2024 .
  • 7 Reasons Why Tesla is a Big Deal | Z-List S02E02 | Zigwheels.Ph
    7 Reasons Why Tesla is a Big Deal | Z-List S02E02 | Zigwheels.Ph
    14 Nov, 2024 .
  • Dream Garage Walkaround: The 2024 Nissan Z! | Zigwheels.Ph with Nissan Philippines
    Dream Garage Walkaround: The 2024 Nissan Z! | Zigwheels.Ph with Nissan Philippines
    05 Nov, 2024 .
  • Top 10 EVs with the Longest Ranges in the Philippines | Z-List S02E01 | Zigwheels.Ph
    Top 10 EVs with the Longest Ranges in the Philippines | Z-List S02E01 | Zigwheels.Ph
    05 Nov, 2024 .
  • 2024 MG ZS First Look + More | Zigwheels.Ph
    2024 MG ZS First Look + More | Zigwheels.Ph
    05 Nov, 2024 .
  • 2024 PIMS Launch Recap | Zigwheels.Ph
    2024 PIMS Launch Recap | Zigwheels.Ph
    05 Nov, 2024 .
  • 2024 Lexus IS300H POV Driving Review | ZIGWHEELS.PH
    2024 Lexus IS300H POV Driving Review | ZIGWHEELS.PH
    05 Nov, 2024 .
  • 2025 Changan Hunter REEV First Look | Zigwheels.Ph with Changan Auto Philippines
    2025 Changan Hunter REEV First Look | Zigwheels.Ph with Changan Auto Philippines
    29 Oct, 2024 .
  • BEYOND ZERO Toyota Corolla Cross H2 Hydrogen Combustion Prototype Exclusive Look | Zigwheels.Ph
    BEYOND ZERO Toyota Corolla Cross H2 Hydrogen Combustion Prototype Exclusive Look | Zigwheels.Ph
    29 Oct, 2024 .
Watch Car Videos

Car Articles From Carmudi

  • journal
  • advice
  • financing
  • insurance
  • MG Motor PH, Antara Ventures open Lipa dealership
    MG Motor PH, Antara Ventures open Lipa dealership
    Ruben Manahan IV, Today
  • SCTEX toll fee rates to go up tomorrow
    SCTEX toll fee rates to go up tomorrow
    Ruben Manahan IV, Nov 18, 2024
  • Pump prices to go down this week
    Pump prices to go down this week
    Ruben Manahan IV, Nov 18, 2024
  • BYD to introduce Denza in PH by 2025
    BYD to introduce Denza in PH by 2025
    Ruben Manahan IV, Nov 18, 2024
  • BYD marks 30th anniversary with 10-millionth unit rollout
    BYD marks 30th anniversary with 10-millionth unit rollout
    Ruben Manahan IV, Nov 18, 2024
  • Save your clutch: 5 things manual drivers should never do
    Save your clutch: 5 things manual drivers should never do
    Carmudi PH, Nov 15, 2024
  • Expired driver’s license: Answering the most common questions
    Expired driver’s license: Answering the most common questions
    Carmudi PH, Nov 13, 2024
  • Buying a used car? Here’s how a ccan help you
    Buying a used car? Here’s how a ccan help you
    Carmudi PH, Nov 06, 2024
  • All you need to know about the LTO Medical Certificate
    All you need to know about the LTO Medical Certificate
    Carmudi PH, Nov 02, 2024
  • Buying a used car in the Philippines? Here’s how to dodge scams
    Buying a used car in the Philippines? Here’s how to dodge scams
    Carmudi PH, Oct 16, 2024
  • How to negotiate the best interest rate for your car loan
    How to negotiate the best interest rate for your car loan
    Carmudi PH, Nov 11, 2024
  • Top 15 banks for affordable car loans in the Philippines
    Top 15 banks for affordable car loans in the Philippines
    Carmudi PH, Oct 10, 2024
  • Car loans made simple for OFWs: Everything you need to know
    Car loans made simple for OFWs: Everything you need to know
    Carmudi PH, Oct 03, 2024
  • Car Loan Restructure: Everything a Filipino needs to know before applying
    Car Loan Restructure: Everything a Filipino needs to know before applying
    Carmudi PH, Oct 02, 2024
  • Pitfalls to avoid when refinancing auto loan in the Philippines
    Pitfalls to avoid when refinancing auto loan in the Philippines
    Carmudi PH, Sep 24, 2024
  • Reviewing Oona Car Insurance: Benefits, key features, cost and more
    Reviewing Oona Car Insurance: Benefits, key features, cost and more
    Carmudi PH, Nov 19, 2024
  • Reviewing SGI Car Insurance: Pros, cons, coverage options & more
    Reviewing SGI Car Insurance: Pros, cons, coverage options & more
    Carmudi PH, Oct 31, 2024
  • No car insurance? Here’s what all wrong can happen in the Philippines
    No car insurance? Here’s what all wrong can happen in the Philippines
    Carmudi PH, Oct 29, 2024
  • All you need to know about taking photos after a car accident in the Philippines
    All you need to know about taking photos after a car accident in the Philippines
    Carmudi PH, Oct 29, 2024
  • Here’s how to easily obtain car insurance quotes online
    Here’s how to easily obtain car insurance quotes online
    Carmudi PH, Oct 23, 2024

Compare

You can add 3 variants maximum*