Of course, with advanced technology in the motor industry when it comes to manufacturing, this could be the biggest contributor to vehicles having a longer life cycle, but car owners have their own part to play too. Ensuring you keep up with regular maintenance can keep your car running for longer. Not only could it save you money by keeping your car past your finance agreement, it also allows you time to consider your next car purchase more thoughtfully.
So how can you prolong the life of your beloved vehicle?
Regular maintenance
Although getting your car serviced isn’t a legal requirement like an MOT, it is still beneficial for your car to have it regularly serviced. Each car model has its own servicing schedule that the manufacturer has designed to keep it working at its optimum performance. A full service will include checks such as the oil and filters, other fluid levels, exhaust and tyre inspection and checking the wheel bearings and suspension. If you’re an avid driver that likes to take road trips and staycations, then seasonal checks will be beneficial too. These are interim checks throughout the year, most popular in the approach to winter when the weather can seriously affect your driving capabilities and car performance.
Brush up on your DIY skills
On top of regular, professional, maintenance, there are little jobs that you can do at home that will help keep your car ticking over. From ensuring the bodywork looks as good as new, to topping up your oil.
- Wash beneath the bodywork and around the wheel arches to remove salt.
- Clean and polish the paintwork with a good quality polish and, for extra protection, add a coat of gloss protectant.
- Treat all exterior plastics and rubber with a suitable dressing – you may find that some plastic surfaces have faded.
- Wash regularly with a genuine car shampoo to keep the car in top shape. Don’t use household dish washing liquid, as this is designed to cut through grease and is too aggressive for car paintwork.
Remember the tyres! Your car’s tyres are central to its success, improving the handling, stopping distance and performance. Tyre maintenance is simple and constantly monitoring their tread and checking for punctures is the best way to prevent any accidents.
Don’t forget about it
Within the past few years, many drivers have noticed that the time spent behind the wheel has been dramatically reduced, such as moving to working from home and not needing the car for your daily commute. You may think that reducing the amount you drive is good for your car but leaving it for long periods of inactivity can have negative side effects. It’s a good idea to keep your car protected from the elements if it’s not going to be used for a long period of time, and this is especially true for older or classic cars. If possible, parking in a garage will protect the car from damage caused by exposure to bad weather. When parking in a garage, ensure it’s free from humidity and damp as this can corrode paintwork and cause mould. Leaving your car for long periods of time without driving it can also cause the battery to run flat and damage the internal mechanics. A good way to avoid this is by starting your car and driving for about 15 minutes every two weeks or so. This will prevent the battery from going flat and will help to lubricate the engine. Remember to clean the interior of your car if it’s going to be left for a long time. Organic debris such as food can rot over time, which at the very least means you’ll be returning to a bad smell, and in some extreme cases can cause damage to your car’s interior.
The pay off
Did you know that in the past couple of years due to increased demand for used cars brought on by the pandemic and global stock shortages for brand new models, used car prices have been soaring for selected models? This means that not only will keeping your car running smoothly prolong its life, but it could also add even more value to it. Some of the UK’s favourites, like the Jaguar XF, saw a price increase of £1,500 in the past three years. It’s not just the higher-end models that are costing more, Vauxhall Astra prices have increased an average of 6.6%, the Dacia Sandero rising 7%, Ford Fiesta is up 8.5% and Audi A3 has increased over 7%.
If the time with your current car is coming to an end and it’s time for a fresh start then Exchange and Mart and s1cars can help you find your next set of wheels, with thousands of used cars to search from trusted dealers throughout the UK. Plus, if you’re planning on selling your current car, you can advertise it for as little as £5.
