With all those new car commercials playing in a constant loop on TV, it can be tempting to trade in Old Reliable for something new and flashy. Trust us, you don’t need a new car. Here’s are some easy steps to ensure you get the most of your older vehicle.
Monitor your car’s Health — in Real Time:
The best way to elongate your car’s life is to stay up on what happening underneath the hood. The good news is that’s isn’t as hard as it used to be. With the help of a car monitoring system like the Smart Vehicle Health Monitor, you can check your car’s vitals right on your cell phone. You can check the battery life, the fluid levels, the gas mileage and more, right through an app on your phone. It can also send you helpful reminders to change your oil, rotate your tires and visit your mechanic.
Keep it Clean:
Cleaning your car regularly will not only ensure you look good while driving it, it’ll keep vital parts of your vehicle intact longer. A regular wash will remove harmful contaminants that can cause erosion, especially for those who drive on snowy roads regularly. Drive through your local car wash, or grab a bucket and a sponge, every few weeks to keep things running — and looking — smooth.
Handy Tips: Easy DIY Car Maintenance Tips for Better Vehicle Care
Stop weighing it Down:
Whether you drive a big SUV or a little car, keeping excess weight off the frame will help keep it running longer. The more your vehicle weighs, the more pressure goes on the brakes, transmission, and tires. More weight can also mean poor gas mileage. Try to keep as little as possible in your trunk, and unpack promptly after a long vacation.
Avoid short Trips when Possible:
To make your car last longer, you should consider driving less. That might seem like common sense, but most people aren’t aware of how hard short, around-the-block drives are on cars. When you take super short road trips, your engine doesn’t have enough time to warm properly, meaning the oil, water, and gasoline congeal in your engine block instead of burning off into fumes. Keep your trips above five miles to be safe.
Upgrade it with modern smart products:
Driving an older car doesn’t mean you have to give up the luxuries provided by a brand new vehicle. Take this GPS Car Charger, for example. By plugging it in, you’ll immediately be able to charge your phone or another device twice as quickly as your friends. You’ll also be able to find your car in a crowded parking lot, log your mileage and monitor your car’s battery health. Simply adding in a few high-tech gadgets — or one good one — will make you feel right at home in the 21st century, even if your car was made in the 20th.
Also Read: High-Tech Cars That Redefine Our Journeys
