Auto repair costs can put a curb on your budget. However, there are easy ways to keep your car running smoothly so you can stay out of occasional auto repair shop visits. Preventative maintenance is the key. Frequently changing your fluids, keeping up with routine maintenance, being careful, and driving safely can prolong the life of your vehicle and can make it lively. There are also a few unexpected things you can do that will help keep your car as well as brand new. Here are a few tips you’ve
never heard of that will help you maintain your car’s performance and durability.
Use Only When Necessary
You might not be expecting this one. But, It’s pretty simple. The more you use something, the more wear, and tear and it will face issues. The same goes for your vehicle. We agree that you probably won’t be able to completely avoid using your car. But it’s still good to give it an occasional break by using other cars if available at home, or alternative modes of transportation, like biking, walking, or public transport. This will give your car some rest and will keep the car in the garage and reduce your trips to the auto repair shop. But don’t prolong the duration of this resting phase, it might cause more damage than good.
Keep Your Garages Ventilated and Cool
Garages are a great way of keeping your car safe from the weather, as well as unexpected debris or kids playing games in the street that could hit the car and cause damage.
However, if you live in an area that gets snow or hail, maintaining the proper temperature for your garage becomes a very major part of car care. If you opt for a heated garage, driving into it with snow or ice on your car leads to melting. Melting snow lead to water, water on your car leads to rust, and rust can lead to more serious problems, ranging from engine damage to a bad look and a structurally weakened body. This means that what may be comfortable for you on a cold winter
morning, or a pleasant rainy day, isn’t as great for your car. You can also cover your car to avoid the hassle of cleaning snow.
Drive Long, Drive Happy
We have already discussed that water leads to rust and rust kill cars. But you’re not going to impress the mechanic at your local auto repair shop with that tip. So we’ll discuss one more. Besides melting ice and snow, using your car for short trips,
for example, less than 10 minutes, can also lead to engine damage and rusting. It takes time for your engine to reach its optimal operating temperature. It can also cause water production inside the engine more than needed. When it’s running at its optimal temperature, the water byproduct from engine combustion is heated into vapor and carried out from the engine through the tailpipe. On shorter trips e.g. less than 10 minutes, however, the engine never reaches operating temperature and the water condenses in the engine, eventually causing rust damage. Condensed water can also get into your engine oil, diluting it and making it less effective and less durable. This might affect the lubrication of your engine. So the next time you’re thinking of driving down to the nearest shop, or buying something from the neighborhood remember that a little walk is not only good for your heart; it’s also amazing for your vehicle’s engine.
Conclusion:
Of course, when you do run into car trouble, it’s in your best possible interest to find the most qualified, experienced, and trusted mechanics. Car Repair and Maintenance from Elite Auto repair can also go a long way to extending the life of your car.
