You want and deserve your money’s worth; it doesn’t matter if you drive a car, truck, crossover, van, or SUV. You can extend the life of your automobile easily; all you have to do is take care of it. We here at McCurley’s Shell recommend the following six things because they help to keep your automobile in tiptop shape so you can extend the life of your car.
1. Oil Changes Every 3,000 Miles
Unless you use synthetic oil, you should have your oil changed every 3,000 miles faithfully. Ignoring oil changes is the quickest way to reduce your vehicle’s lifespan, as old, dirty, and oxidized motor oil damages crucial engine parts. Seriously, every 3,000 miles will get you a ton more miles in the end.
2. Not Just Oil Changes
Oil isn’t the only crucial fluid in your automobile. You have brake fluid, engine coolant, transmission oil, and you might even have power steering fluid. Pull out your owner’s manual and schedule fluid changes per the recommendations. Clean fluids prevent brake failure, overheating, and transmission problems.
3. Don’t Forget the Filters
Your automobile’s filters must be changed regularly, as well. This includes the air filter, fuel filter, and oil filter. Filters prevent debris, dirt, and grime from making their way into your cabin and engine. Changing them regularly prevents this grime from infiltrating the engine and also keeps damaging clogs at bay.
4. Tire Inflation Is Also Important
A general rule of thumb is to check your air pressure every other time you come to McCurley’s Shell to fill up with gas. Keep the tires inflated to their proper psi. Also, have the tires rotated and balanced every 6,000 miles. Inspect the tires regularly for damage and signs of uneven tread depth and wear.
5. Get Repairs When You Need Them
Yes, auto repairs can be expensive but don’t put them off if you need them. Please understand that the more you drive your automobile when it’s damaged the more damage you cause. Ignoring things such as overheating, squealing brakes, or the check engine light can make a minor problem a major one.
6. Take it Easy on Your Car
Finally, how you drive can actually reduce the life you’ll get out of your vehicle. Aggressive driving can not only cause an accident it can also wear down the engine, brakes, tires, and suspension. Driving like a maniac is hard on your automobile, so take it easy. Start and stop slowly and don’t push the engine.
One bonus tip is that you can extend the life of your car with factory-scheduled service and McCurley’s Shell in Atlanta, GA, is the perfect place to have that work done.