It’s no secret that cars can last a while with full coverage car insurance, proper maintenance and care. In fact, the average vehicle on the road in 2017 was 10.1 years old, according to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation.
With car prices steadily increasing and interest rates climbing on auto loans, it’s more important than ever to make sure your family car stays in great shape. Even though Eisenhower added more than 42,000 miles of highway to the country back in the 1950s, traveling such long distances demand a little online research. After all, the last thing you want to worry about during the holiday season is your family vehicle biting the dust on the way to Grandma’s house.
Fortunately, there are a few ways you can make your family vehicle last longer without worrying about trying to fix an engine on the side of the road.
Follow the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual
In 1964, the AC Cobra Coupe famously reached a top speed of 186 MPH, changing racing at the time. Made differently from its vehicular peers, it seems obvious that caring for it might also be different. If that seems obvious to you, apply the same logic to your own vehicle and crack open the owner’s manual. Many drivers don’t read their car’s manual, instead choosing to bury it at the bottom of the glove box. But your owner’s manual actually has a lot of good, vehicle specific information that you can use.
The manual not only tells you the recommended maintenance schedule for your car but also the recommended oil to be used. Some oils have different viscosities and, depending on your car, you might need a specialized option. While most cars — and compressors — can handle a 10% difference in oil viscosity, you should still ensure your car is maintained by a professional. If you want your family car to last as long as possible, follow the manual.
Check your tire pressure
With winter on the way, now’s the time to be paying close attention to your tire pressure. Check your car’s owner’s manual or your driver’s door frame to determine the proper air pressure for your vehicle. Across the United States, people pay an average of $92 per month on auto insurance in the case of a mishap. Meanwhile, their tires are realistically the things between them and the road but more drivers than you think neglect proper tire care and replacement. Don’t let this neglect deteriorate into potential damage or disaster.
Many drivers wait until the tire pressure monitor light comes on — but at that point, you’re dealing with an emergency situation. Maintaining the proper air pressure will help to optimize your car’s handling and braking. It’ll also save you money by avoiding abnormal wear.
Be gentle with your car this season
It’s understandable to want to put the gas pedal first thing in the morning. After scraping ice and snow off your car, you might be running late taking the kids to school, which could then make you late for work.
But it’s important to be gentle with your car during the winter months. Even if your vehicle has polyurethane parts, which are made using reaction injection molding, it’s still important to give your vehicle the chance to heat up so it can work properly.
When your car’s lubricants have a chance to warm up, they can prevent friction in your vehicle’s engine and other moving parts. What’s more, when you drive slower on the road, your vehicle isn’t chugging as much gas.
In a perfect world, you could simply buy a new vehicle when you need one. But vehicles are expensive, even with a good loan. By maintaining your car and getting a car insurance policy from a reliable car insurance agent, you can get the most out of your family vehicle and make your car last as long as possible.
