Some people have vehicles that last, seemingly, forever. Is it luck? Or the sign of someone who takes car of their ride?
Probably a little bit of both. But the thing you can control is proper maintenance and other care. Without this, the odds aren’t in your or your vehicle’s favor. Here’s what you can do to give yourself the best odds for a long life for your car or truck — maybe even to 300,000 miles.
Use good quality gas
A common thing most car owners overlook is gas quality. While the average driver may opt for the cheapest fuel prices, they should be going for the best quality gas instead. Brands such as Shell, Chevron, Exxon, BP and Mobil use high-quality additives in their fuel. Not only do they fill your gas tank, but they also help clean some components of your fuel system. Adding a bottle of fuel system cleaner to your gas tank around the same time you get an oil change will help too.
Always use good quality oil and oil filters
Just like with gas, you should be using the best quality synthetic motor oil for your car. Using the recommended oil that the manufacturer of your car uses will extend the life of your engine. You should also use high-quality oil filters as well. It’s recommended you get an oil change about every 5,000 miles, but intervals will vary depending on how much you drive and the oil blend you use.
Take care of the other fluids
You have to make sure you keep up with the other fluids in your car. Taking care of your transmission fluid and changing it every few years before you notice issues with it is best for longevity. Keep the coolant reservoir filled to the proper levels to make sure the engine runs at an optimal temperature. Don’t forget to make sure your washer fluid is filled up in case you need to spray and wipe your windshield.
Change your engine air filter
This air filter allows your engine to breathe. It blocks contaminants and filters them so only clean air will go to your engine. After blocking all of this buildup, these filters will get dirty and need to be changed. It’s best to change engine air filters every 12,000 miles, according to AutoZone.
Check all warning lights
Over a car’s lifespan, there will be warning lights on the dashboard trying to catch your attention. No matter how big or small the warning may be, you still need to find a solution. Buying your own ODB-II scanner can help you diagnose the codes from your car before a problem gets too severe. Many auto parts stores also offer this service for free. If you find an issue you can’t fix yourself, take it to a mechanic you trust.
Keep your tires in good shape
Cars can’t move without tires. Make sure they are filled to the manufacturer’s recommended pressures. This information can be found on a label on the driver’s side door jamb. Make sure you get them rotated every 4,000 to 8,000 miles so they wear more evenly and cause less stress to your suspension.
Maintain the battery
Keeping the battery charged to its proper voltage is crucial to starting the engine. If you plan to keep the car parked for an extended period of time, consider using a battery tender. Make sure you know the age of your battery, as it will degrade over time. If your battery is a few years old, consider getting it tested to make sure the voltage is at optimal levels. You can get this done at a dealership or auto parts store.
Keep your car clean
Cleaning your car inside and out is a sign that you care about your vehicle. Washing and drying the exterior will keep the paint clean and remove contaminants that could cause rust. Keeping the interior clean is just as important. Spraying and cleaning the interior surfaces will remove stains and prevent unpleasant smells. There is no point in keeping a car for hundreds of thousands of miles if it’s dirty on the inside.
Look out for recalls
Many vehicles get recalled by manufacturers about defects that may be found on the vehicle. No matter the severity of the recall, it’s never a bad idea to at least get it checked out. Even cars that have been on the road for many years could still be affected. To see whether your car has been recalled, you can type in your license plate number or VIN on https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Don’t crash!
There is a common saying in sports that the best ability is availability. This can be applied to cars as well.
You can do everything right when it comes to car maintenance, but in the unfortunate event of a car accident it could be all for naught. Sometimes, unexpected collisions can happen and there is nothing you can do about them. Focusing on what you can control and driving safely and responsibly can be just as valuable as many forms of maintenance to extend your car’s lifespan. Just make sure you are taking care of the rest of the car, too.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: A list of what you can do to help your car reach 300,000 miles
Reporting by Keenan Thompson, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Keenan Thompson, Detroit Free Press | USA TODAY Network
