With the cost of living rising ever higher, many people, even those who traditionally choose a brand-new vehicle are swapping to the more budget-friendly option of a used car. Although, one of the biggest concerns for used vehicle owners is their longevity. After all, they have been owned and driven by other people and you can never be 100% sure about how they treated them. The good news is there are things that you can do to extend the life of a used car as long as possible. Read on to find out what they are.
Stop packing everything but the kitchen sink
First of all, if you want to help your used car stay in the best condition for longer, both inside and out you will need to be mindful of how much you carry in it. This is because, just like extra pounds add extra strain on our hearts and joints, overfilling your car regularly, means we will add additional strain on the engine and other mechanical parts like the brakes, and suspension causing it to age prematurely.
In addition to causing undue wear and tear to the mechanical aspect of your vehicle, the more you pack into its space, the more likely damage to the interior including scratches, dents, and upholstery rips can occur. This is something you will want to avoid as a second-hand car owner as not only do such issues age a car prematurely, but they can also be incredibly expensive to fix.
With that in mind, the next time you take a break or holiday in your car, be sure to write out a list of all the items you think you need. Then go through this list and cut out anything that isn’t truly necessary. Also, remember to clear out any non-essential items from your boot, for everyday use such as a car jack, and tools.
Service and maintain your car regularly
Another thing that you’ll want to make sure you do regularly if you have a secondhand car is properly maintain and service it. For maintenance there are plenty of tasks you can do yourself such as checking the oil and water, replacing the bulbs in your lights, and taking care of your wipers and screen wash. In particular, making sure that you properly check and maintain your tyres at regular intervals is important, because if they do not have a deep enough tread they will not be able to grip the road safely. To check your tyres are at the correct tread thickness you should use the 20p test as demonstrated in the video below.
However, when it comes to servicing your car, which usually includes more detailed checks to ensure everything is running properly, it’s best to go to a professional. Indeed, there is a significant safety risk involved if your car’s systems are not functioning properly ensuring you take your vehicle to a place like Hilltop Service Station, where a highly trained professional can service it best. You can even book your services and MOTs online via their website, which makes it even easier to make sure your vehicle is well taken care of.
Warm up the engine
Warming up your engine before you begin driving is also one of the best ways to ensure that your secondhand car lasts for as long as possible. The concept behind this is to heat the engine oil up so it flows more easily and does not cause strain on the engine. You’ll also get the added benefits of condensation and ice removal if you allow your car to run before you leave. Although you must ensure that you do this safely which means always staying in the driver’s seat as it idles.
Drive mindfully
Last of all, if you want to preserve the value and functionality of your used car, it can help to drive it with intention. What this means is that you drive carefully and defensively, anticipating other road users and slowing down or speeding up before it becomes an emergency situation. In this way, you can save a great deal of wear and tear on the engine and brakes.
Of course, the added benefit of driving mindfully is that you are a lot less likely to be involved in an accident. This means that both the inner workings and outer chassis of your vehicle are likely to last much longer. Not to mention that it’s the best possible thing you can do for your safety, and the safety of your passengers and other road users as well.
Featured post
© Copyright 2024 Antonia, All rights Reserved. Written For: Tidylife
Leave a Reply