5 Tips to Extend the Life of Your Car

A car is a big investment, and you rely on it pretty heavily. Because of this, you’ll want to keep your car driving well for as long as possible. Fortunately, with regular car maintenance service from Wayne’s Automotive, you can extend the life of your vehicle and keep it in tip-top shape. We’ve compiled a list of five tips to extend the life of your car. Though some of these can be done at home, we generally recommend visiting an auto mechanic shop if you are unsure of what to do.

5 Tips to Extend the Life of Your Car

1. Oil Change

This one may seem obvious; after all, many drivers treat oil changes like checkups for their cars. Getting your oil changed regularly helps to keep your engine running smoothly. If your car’s motor oil is older or running low, it can cause more friction between the moving parts of the engine – which leads to more wear and tear. These issues can be easily prevented by getting your oil changed however often your car’s manual recommends.

2. Air Filter Replacement

The function of an air filter is to keep dust and debris from entering your engine’s cylinders. When the air filter starts to wear out and no longer perform its job, it can negatively affect mileage and engine performance. Going too long without replacing the filter can significantly shorten your engine’s lifespan. Still, the filter does not need to be changed as often as the oil.

3. Tire Rotations

If you’re unfamiliar with car maintenance, you may ask, “Tires rotate all the time; why should I pay to have them rotated at an auto mechanic shop?” However, this is a completely different type of rotation.

What actually happens during a tire rotation is that all of the tires are taken off of your car and replaced in different locations. Tires in the front tend to get more worn on the outside edges than tires in the back as a result of turning left and right. Getting your tires rotated helps to ensure that they wear more evenly, it can increase the lifespan of your tires by thousands of miles. During the rotation service, you may also want to check the air pressure and the state of your brakes.

4. Brake Fluid

Speaking of brakes, they are vital to the functioning of your car, and they are often your first line of defense on the road, so it is extremely important to make sure they work correctly. Brake fluid stays in a sealed system, giving it a longer lifespan, but excess moisture and dirt can creep in over time through other parts of the car and cause issues with the brakes. However, brake fluid should still be checked at least every couple of years. To ensure proper stopping ability and car safety, it is best to talk to a technician to see what is best for your car.

5. Transmission Service

Transmission fluid functions very similarly to motor oil in that it works to keep the gears of the transmission from wearing down too quickly and to keep them from overheating. In automatic transmission vehicles, the transmission fluid also powers the transmission.

At Wayne’s Automotive, we take PRIDE in your RIDE, which means we will do our absolute best to ensure that your car receives quality care that fits your budget. If you would like to get any car maintenance service done at your trusted local auto mechanic shop, call us at 803-649-0228 to set up an appointment.