The 8 Best Ways to Extend Your Car's Life

How does one not only keep a car for a long time, but recoup their investment? One word - maintenance. Following a rigid car service schedule and getting all your repairs done promptly is one sure-fire way of doing it.  

As always, your resident auto service experts are here to advise you on what it takes to extend your car's life. Read on to know what maintenance tips are guaranteed to extend your car's life. 

What are the 8 best ways to extend your car's life? 

 
Tip #1 - Drive with care 

This may sound vague, so let's unpack it a bit:  

Accelerate steadily when you drive. 

Don't rev by pressing down on the accelerator during start-up. 

It's not a good idea to keep the engine running while the car is idle.  

Reduce the pressure on the engine, transmission, and brakes by switching to neutral on red lights. 

Avoid high speeds and rapid acceleration, especially when it is very hot or cold outside. 

 
Tip #2 - Never refuel your petrol tank when you see the tanker at the petrol station 

If you see a tanker filling up at your local petrol station, choose another station or come back on another day. As the station's underground reservoirs fill, turbulence may cause some sediment to rise to the top. Any repository in your gas can clog fuel filters and fuel injectors, resulting in poor performance and potential repairs. 
 
Tip #3 - Keep a periodic check on your engine oil and replace it whenever required 

Drive your car around for about 15 minutes or so, to heat the oil. Once that's done, park your car in a flat place. Remove the gauge and wipe it with a paper towel or cloth. Replace your motor oil with the right type, viscosity, and level, as per your car manufacturer's guide. If this sounds daunting to you, simply book a car oil change at Service My Car. 
 
Tip #4 - Clean your engine whenever you have your hood propped up 

There are many reasons to wash your engine at least annually or twice. A clean engine will operate more freshly than a dirty engine. It's also much easier to spot leaks and service components when your engine's clean. You can also have your engine professionally steam cleaned. Request a free and instant quote for professional engine cleaning at Service My Car.  
 
Tip #5 - Follow best battery maintenance practices 

What do such car battery maintenance practices entail?  

Keep a routine check on your battery and clean it whenever required. 

Keep an eye out for corrosion on your battery pins and terminals. 

Periodically inspect the battery box for damage, such as cracks and bumps. 

Reassemble the cables whenever required.  

You're also advised to get a professional inspection with the state-of-the-art facilities provided by Service My Car. As a bonus, it's easier than ever to get a car battery replacement from us.  
 
Tip #6 - Avoid mixing the coolant with anything else 

As a general practice, ensure you don't mix coolants that are different in colour. If you have pink coolant, do not add a green formulation. You could end up with a thick solution that won't work. As a rule of thumb, only use the cooling fluid specified in your driver's manual. 
 
Tip #7 - Don't forget about the timing belt 

On many cars, the belt that's not visible is the most critical. This is your timing belt. The manual requires you to replace the timing belt at certain kilometres based on your car's make and model. A failed timing belt resulting in the engine form can cause thousands of worth of damage to your engine. If you feel like you're due for a timing belt replacement, then look no further than your auto repair experts at Service My Car.  
 
Tip #8 - Wax on to protect your car painting 

Apply a thin uniform coat of wax to car surfaces using a damp sponge. Liquid and spray waxes are tempting as they make the car shine with less work than rubbing with pasty polish. To avoid scratches, use clean and gentle cotton or microfiber cloth. 

All in all, knowing how to take care of your car as a loved one is the first step towards your car maintenance. There's nothing more to it than having Service My Car on your phone. With the Service My Car Super App, all your car maintenance needs are, to put it simply, a tap away.  

Get hassle-free car maintenance at the region's most competitive rates. Whether you're in for a service, or you want to replace some parts, we do it all. Book a service package, or request an instant quote today.