Purchasing a used car means that there is already some mileage on your engine. This does not have to be a bad thing. You can easily extend the life of your car’s engine by using these simple tips.
Change Your Oil On Schedule
The oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. You will want to make sure that you change it according to the manufacturer’s schedule. For most vehicles, this is between 3 and 5,000 miles. Even if you are not running your car hard, keeping clean oil will always help it run better and for a longer time.
Make sure that you use the right oil weight and the right filter if you are a DIY person. The weight of the oil can make a difference. It is also important to use the right type of oil. Some manufacturers recommend synthetic, while some strongly advise against it. Make sure you know what to put in your vehicle.
Run The Right Octane
Some engines are designed to run on higher octane fuel. Running the lower octane gas can have some serious effects on the performance and lifespan of your engine. Ensure that you read what the manufacturer recommends to put in your vehicle and purchase that type of fuel for your car’s engine
Pay Attention To Warning Lights
The dashboard warning lights can help you prevent a complete breakdown of your vehicle. These sensors are set to start going off when a problem is just starting to occur. If you make a repair quickly, you can protect your engine from working improperly, straining harder than it should, or just breaking down.
Many auto part stores will provide you a free diagnostic when a check engine light comes on. This way, you will know right away if you need a mechanic or if you just need to do something simple like checking your coolant levels.
Check Fluids – Replace Filters
You should check your fluid levels often and replace your filters once or twice a year on an older engine. Fuel filters and air filters help the car perform better, and correct fluid levels not only protect the engine but you as well because your engine is working properly.
Schedule A Routine Inspection
There are just some things that you can not see when you are under the hood of your car. Schedule a yearly routine inspection of your vehicle, or tune-up, so that you know all the major mechanical parts are working properly.
This is also a great time to flush out your coolant system, check your battery and cables, and have your hoses checked to make sure they are in proper working condition. A yearly check-up of your vehicle can extend the life of your car.
Let It Warm Up Without Revving
If you live in colder climates, it is important to let your engine warm-up when you first use it for the day. However, you don’t want to warm it up by sitting and revving the engine. Revving the engine can actually cause damage and shorten the life of your car.
Give your car at least five minutes to warm up in the morning. This will also give your vehicle time to defrost the windows and even heat up a bit inside so your drive won’t be uncomfortable.
Don’t Turn It Off and On At Stop Lights
There is a misconception that turning your car on and off at red lights will save gas. This is simply not true. In fact, the gas surge that occurs each time you have to start the vehicle will most likely increase gas usage instead of saving fuel.
Turning your vehicle on and off all the time like that also places a lot of stress on your vehicle. All the moving parts will experience more wear, and you will see yourself making more frequent repairs. You should only turn your car off if you will be standing still for more than five minutes.
Keep Your Engine Clean
At least once a year, you should have the exterior of your engine cleaned. With time, oil and dirt can accumulate on the outside of your engine. Not only does this look nasty, but it also causes your engine to run hotter because the grime is sealing in the heat.
Cleaning your engine with a degreaser can be done quite quickly and in your driveway. Just make sure to rinse your driveway off real well when you are done.
These simple tips can help you extend the life of your vehicle. You took the time to research the vehicle, read its history report, and test drive it. You need to make sure that you get the most from your investment by caring for the engine the right way. You will be happy with how these simple steps can prolong the life of your vehicle.
When Purchasing A Vehicle
Always remember to have a VINsmart report run on the vehicle before making any vehicle purchase. A VINsmart report runs a complete history on the vehicle including whether it has ever been reported as stolen, has been involved in a major accident, or has been listed as a totaled vehicle.
VINsmart reports will also give you a history of every time the vehicle has been registered as well as a history of the mileage. It reports any significant incidents related to the vehicle, such as being involved in a fire or flood.
When you are going to purchase a used vehicle, the best way to ensure you are making a good purchase is to know the vehicle’s complete history.
