Helping Used Cars Last Longer

Used automobiles are the most common mode of transportation for most people. The individual life of any used automobile can be dramatically extended if you give it a little TLC and proper maintenance.

Follow the Maintenance Schedule

The owner's manuals for used cars will give you a guideline for how often you should get an oil change and when it needs to be serviced. Don't skip the routine stuff, it's what keeps most vehicles running smoothly for years.

Replace Parts Before They Become a Problem

If your mechanic tells you the brakes will need replaced soon, go ahead and get them replaced now. Most people who start out thinking, "I'll do that in the next few months," forget about it until they've burned through their brakes or damage has been done. Preventive care is much less expensive than repairs.

Minimize Short Trips

Every time you start your engine, it takes a toll on gas mileage, your muffler and the engine itself. If you have errands to run, combine them whenever possible. If you have a short commute to work of just a few miles, see if you can carpool with someone or rideshare. A few longer trips are better for your car than a lot of short ones.

Check the Fluids

Regularly Oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid and power steering fluid should be checked and either topped off or changed regularly. The time to add more fluids is not after you've burnt up the oil and incurred expensive repairs.

Rotate Tires

Rotating the tires on used cars helps lengthen the life of both the car and the tires. Tire rotation reduces uneven tread wear and improves the vehicle's ride. In most cases, you should rotate them every 8,000 to 13,000 kilometres or twice a year.

Change the Air Filter

Whether you do it yourself of have it done by a mechanic, changing air filters prolongs the life of used and new cars, improves acceleration and ensures better gas mileage.

Used cars can last for years if you take care of them properly following the above recommendations.

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