Car TalkCar MaintenanceTop 8 Car Maintenance Tips to Extend Vehicle Life

Top 8 Car Maintenance Tips to Extend Vehicle Life

Your vehicle needs proper maintenance and care. This is what keeps it in optimal condition and increases its longevity. Even a tiny negligence in this regard can lead to many severe problems.

But worry not, to help you out, here are some valuable tips on how you can keep your vehicle running smoothly.

1. Keep the Battery Clean

Over time, corrosion forms on your battery terminals and then a crack or stop working. So you must keep your battery clean to reduce the chances of corrosion. Otherwise, you have to replace it, and that will cost you a lot.

You must test your battery twice a year to detect and address its potential issues. During inspection, you must look for signs of corrosion, like white or bluish powder on the terminals. If you find any issue, address it immediately to avoid costly repairs and replacements later. 

2. Inspect Thoroughly and Replace Faulty Parts 

You often overlook many small issues with your vehicle. Sometimes you neglect them because you think they are minor and won’t cause any damage. It’s not a good approach, and later on, this can lead to many big problems.

Over time, minor problems become big issues. They become the reason for many costly repairs and replacements. So you must inspect each part of your vehicle thoroughly. If you find any wear and tear, replace that part as soon as possible. You should look for the best spare parts in the market and always prioritise quality over price. 

But if you are out of budget and don’t want to invest in brand-new spare parts, you can also look for used parts. In that case, you must consider a reputable and reliable seller like Ovoko to get the quality spare parts at the best prices.

Replace Faulty Parts
If you find any wear and tear, replace that part as soon as possible. (Photo: istockphoto)

3. Understand Warning Signals

To keep your vehicle well-maintained and ensure its longevity, you must understand the warning signals. They alert you to potential issues, allowing you to address them properly before they escalate into major problems and lead to costly repairs and replacements. 

Here is the colour significance of warning signals:

  • Red: It is the sign of a serious problem, indicating you have to take immediate action to ensure the safety of your vehicle. 
  • Yellow or Amber: It is a warning for a less urgent issue that needs addressing, but you can delay it for some time. 
  • Blue or Green: These lights indicate the system is functioning correctly and do not require any servicing. 

4. Replace Your Air Filters 

Air filters trap many contaminants that restrict the air flow. So, you must clean them regularly. If they are too dirty and worn out, you should replace them. Otherwise, they can damage your air conditioning system. 

Clean air filters allow the engine to breathe properly. This will lead to better combustion and potentially increased fuel economy.

5. Replace the Brake Pads

Do you hear any unusual sound when applying the brakes? This can be a sign that your brake pads are worn out and need replacement. However, this seems hefty, but you cannot make compromises on this. 

It is advisable to contact a professional to change your vehicle’s brake pads. These experts are knowledgeable and skilled, so they can install them perfectly without making any mistakes. 

6. Maintain the Tyres 

Regular tyre maintenance includes proper inflation, alignment, and tire rotation. All of these ensure your vehicle’s tires last longer. Moreover, well-maintained tyres also improve your driving experience on rough roads. 

Worn-out tyres are the major reason for many accidents, as they cannot maintain the proper balance of your vehicle on the road. So, if your vehicle’s tires are worn out, you must replace them to enjoy a safe ride, especially in harsh weather conditions, like rain and snow. 

7. Change the Spark Plug

Change the Spark Plug
Replacing a worn-out spark plug improves your vehicle’s fuel efficiency (Photo: istockphoto)

If your vehicle is struggling to start and takes longer to turn over, it can be due to a worn-out spark plug. Worn-out spark plugs put strain on your vehicle’s engine and its components, leading to many severe problems. They are not safe and can affect your vehicle’s overall functioning. Therefore, if your spark plug is not in good condition, you must replace it as soon as possible. 

Replacing a worn-out spark plug improves your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. It also provides you with a smooth driving experience, leading to better acceleration and reduced emissions. 

8. Replace Wiper Blades 

If your vehicle’s wiper blades are not in good condition, they will leave streaks and reduce visibility, especially in adverse weather conditions, like rain and snow. This can affect your driving experience, increasing the risk of potential accidents. 

Some major signs that indicate your wiper blades need replacement include streaking and squeaking. If you find these, you must change your vehicle’s worn-out wiper blades as soon as possible. This is essential to ensure the safety and longevity of your vehicle’s windshield, protecting it from dirt, grime, and dust.

Matsumoto Naoki
Matsumoto Naoki
Matsumoto Naoki is a senior car blogger at Car From Japan. With a background in mechanical engineering, including experience as a Mechanical Design Engineer at Subaru Corporation, he offers a unique perspective on automotive innovations. Matsumoto's articles provide clear, DIY-friendly instructions and how-to guides to help you confidently maintain your car and save money on repairs. His approachable writing style makes even complex mechanical topics accessible to everyone.
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