How to Maintain Your Car to Last Many Years

In order to maintain your car to last many years all you need to do is follow a few simple rules. Keeping a car a long time has many advantages. First, it is a lot cheaper to have an older car. Car license tabs are less expensive, often your car insurance is cheaper because you can remove your collison, and the car is paid off. Buying a new car also adds to global warming because it takes a lot of energy to build a new car.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Car manual
• A good mechanic

1. Find a really great mechanic. I can't emphasize this enough. Building a solid relationship with a mechanic and a shop that can maintain your car well and has a solid reputation will keep your car humming. A trustworthy mechanic will also only do what needs to be done. Ask around to find out who your friends and relatives use. Don't be afraid to leave a bad mechanic and seek out a better one. A mechanic you trust will also save you money. Sometimes they can find used parts or parts that are made by another manufacturer that a dealer would never use.

2. Get regular oil changes. This means every 3,000 miles or every 3 months. And don't use cheap oil; use the oil recommended in your car manual.

3. Speaking of car manuals, make sure that you know when you need to have certain major items completed. Letting things go can really wreak havoc with your car. Don't do it.

4. Clean your car thoroughly at least every 3 months. Don't eat in your car. If food or mold starts to build up you'll ruin the insides of your car and it won't last as long. Likewise the outside of the car. A clean car that has a regular wax job will maintain it's body a lot longer.

5. Live in a city that doesn't salt it's roads. Although this is not always feasible, it does make a difference. Salt will rust your car.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't let a car sit in a driveway or garage unused. It is not good for the car. If you aren't using it at least start it up and let it run for awhile every few weeks.

[jrockjams]

on 11/28/2009 great tips Thanks ;) 5*

[joycetmann]

on 10/27/2009 Great tips. The big concern where I live is salt on the roads. Sure, salt melts the snow and ice, but it wreaks havoc with cars by causing rusting of the undercarriage. Thanks! 5*

[jnbcayo]

on 10/27/2009 How could I remove the rear shork of my Nissan Pathfinder 91