Ever wonder why some vehicles look old, while others of the same vintage look new?
Your car is, without a doubt, one of your most significant investments. It also facilitates your daily movements, so it’s essential to care for it diligently to ensure it runs efficiently and is worth the cost. Most drivers are aware that regular service checks will keep your engine ticking smoothly, but they tend to ignore the fact that driving habits play a part in how long your car lasts and how new it looks. In this article, we list a few good habits that can make your car last longer.
Look ahead and coast
Exercising foresight and caution on the road seems like an obvious goal, but many overlook it. Looking ahead enables you to make a timely judgment if there are any obstructions or potholes in your path. When you can see where you’re headed, it’s easier to avoid anything on the road that may damage your car’s tires.
Coasting involves letting off the gas and allowing the vehicle to slow down on its own. This gives you time to survey the traffic conditions and helps you avoid braking hard, or accelerating and then braking suddenly, which causes your brake pads to deteriorate faster.
Load cargo appropriately
Excess weight ages your car faster for several reasons. To start with, it isn’t great for fuel economy and will wear out your suspensions and shock absorbers rapidly. This increases stress on the bearings and shocks, and they’ll need to be replaced sooner.
Stop before shifting gears
Before shifting gears, make sure the vehicle comes to a full stop. For example, when shifting between Drive and Reverse while parking, completely stop the car before each shift. Failing to do so takes a toll on the automatic transmission system and will eventually lead to an expensive repair.
Be attentive to dashboard signals
The signals on your dashboard are very important as they can warn you in advance if something is wrong. For instance, if the temperature is too high, there may be a problem with the car’s electrical system, and this means you should get it to an automobile repair shop as soon as possible.
Keep a safe following distance
While driving on a highway, you may find yourself stuck behind a truck. While this is unavoidable, following the truck too closely isn’t. Staying back a bit allows you a greater stopping distance and saves your car from debris that may fly off and chip the paint or crack your windshield. If the truck is old, keeping a safe distance will also prevent the truck’s black fumes from getting into the filter of your ventilation system.
Service consistently
The final and most important point is to service your car as recommended by the manufacturer. This keeps your engine in top performance condition, ensures your car is fuel-efficient, and gets you a better resale value later.
These simple driving tips will help you stay safe on the road and preserve your car’s pristine condition for much longer. To learn more about keeping your vehicle in good shape (or to replace your vehicle if it’s too late), visit Auto Market of Florida today.
