Even a pre-owned car can still be reliable and last for years if it’s well-maintained and taken care of. Just because it’s used doesn’t mean its lifespan is already compromised.
If you give it the proper regular care and attention it requires, you can increase its longevity while saving lots of money on repairs. Whether you like it or not, even a used vehicle from a highly-rated brand like Hyundai can easily break down if you don’t properly maintain it. You might also want to click here to find some amazing deals on pre-owned vehicles.
Here are seven of the most important tips you should know to extend its lifespan:
1. Perform Regular Maintenance
When it comes to helping your pre-owned car last longer, nothing beats performing regular maintenance. Car maintenance works the same way as your doctor’s appointment. With regular checkups, you can catch potential issues and hidden problems early on, which can help in avoiding costly repairs down the line.
Changing engine oil, replacing the oil and air filters, and checking the suspension, brake fluids, brake pads, and steering system are just some of the things included in regular maintenance. You should also check the car’s manual to know how these things are done and when you have to do them. If you no longer have the owner’s manual upon purchasing a second-hand vehicle, you can always rely on a car mechanic to teach you about these things or let them perform the regular maintenance for you.
2. Keep It Clean And Protected
Another tip for extending the lifespan of your used car is to simply keep it clean and well-protected at all times. Take the time to wash your car vehicle more frequently and apply some wax while you’re at it. This keeps your pre-owned vehicle looking better while protecting its exterior from rust, corrosion, dirt, and grime. Vacuuming the interior can also help remove smells and make it look fresh.
Aside from keeping it clean, you should also put an effort into protecting your car by parking it properly inside a garage or a carport. This is very helpful in protecting your vehicle from being exposed to sun, rain, snow, hail, and other elements. An enclosed garage is the best option as it not only protects your car from the weather but also against criminals who may be looking to steal it from you during the night.
3. Modify Your Driving Habits
Your driving habits can affect the health of your car’s engine. Over speeding and erratic driving behavior are bad for your vehicle. Sudden starts and stops can cause your car’s engine to work harder than it normally should to deliver the speed you desire.
As such, you need to consider modifying your driving habits if you want your pre-owned car to last you for years. Accelerate slowly and try to drive defensively as much as possible, so you have plenty of time to react whenever you stop or slow down. Also, always obey the traffic rules in the area where you’re driving at.
Aside from that, a defensive driving style can help reduce damage to your car’s engine while helping you stay safe on the road. So, it’s a win-win!
4. Avoid Overloading It
You have to avoid overloading your vehicle as much as possible even if it can technically do it. By doing so, it’ll help reduce the stress on your engine, which can lead to engine failure in the long run. So, if you want to keep your car’s engine safe and protected, you should check its manual when it comes to how much load your vehicle is allowed to carry.
When on the road, it’s also a good idea to remove any unnecessary weight in your car such as heavy boxes, equipment, or any other item that’s not important to reduce the strain on your vehicle’s engine.
5. Be Proactive In Getting Repairs
Postponing car repairs is also a big no if you want to extend the longevity of your used vehicle. It can lead to more serious malfunctions and costly repairs.
You should never ignore any warning signs of a mechanical problem such as driving with a failing water pump. If you continue to ignore this, it can result in overheating, which can cause significant damage to your car’s engine. Ignoring squealing brakes is also very dangerous as it reduces your vehicle’s braking power and increases the risk of a car accident.
Being proactive in repairs can save you thousands of dollars. Also, it can help you ensure that your car is always in good running condition. Prevention is better than cure, so be mindful of your vehicle’s performance.
6. Replace The Fuel Filter Regularly
One of the most important parts of your car’s engine is the fuel filter. It ensures that only pure and clean gasoline is used by your engine. You should always replace the fuel filter every now and then, especially if it has become too dirty or has too many clogs. A clean fuel filter is essential for keeping your car running smoothly and extending the lifespan of its engine.
7. Don’t Abuse Your Car
This is especially true for all used car owners out there. You should never abuse your car no matter what if you want it to last you for a lifetime.
Revving the engine during red lights as well as performing unnecessary driving maneuvers such as drifting are foolish things to do. Revving heats up the engine quickly, causing problems to its gaskets that can result in costly repairs. Drifting also causes wear and tear to your car, especially its tires. Your tires won’t last long because of too much friction.
If you don’t abuse your car, you have less maintenance to worry about and your vehicle would last longer.
Final Thoughts
By being proactive in maintaining and minimizing wear and tear on your pre-owned vehicle, you can certainly extend its lifespan. Be sure to follow these tips so your used car can stay in great shape for years to come!
