Your car is a lot like your body – it won’t hold up too well if you keep abusing it. Luckily, keeping your car in tip-top shape is easier than keeping yourself upright after a bar crawl with the boys. If you know what you’re doing, that is!

Car maintenance is always cheaper than repairs. So, here are 25 tips on how to make your car last longer. Do them, and your vehicle shall prosper!

First and foremost – find a suitable car

Luxury SUVs and sedans depreciate the most. They are built for the wealthy but later become cheaper than the budget models of the same era. Some people can’t resist genuine leather and wood trims, comfortable suspensions, and nice badges. Unfortunately, such options come with fearsome risks.

It’s much harder to properly maintain vast engines, pneumatic suspensions, and plenty of electrical systems. Buy a car built for the rich, and you’ll be maintaining it like one. So, the most reliable cars are the easiest to maintain. Just make sure to check the car’s history before you buy it to avoid recent damages and mileage rollbacks.

Don’t delay car maintenance checkups

Damaged or worn-out car parts tend to damage or prematurely wear out other bits. For example, if something rattles in the suspension, the vibration also affects other surrounding elements. Even a simple broken sensor may cause carbon build-up and excessive fuel usage. That’s why timely maintenance is so crucial.

You don’t have to be an automotive expert to find how often your car needs specific maintenance tasks done. If your authorized repair shop is too expensive, there should be plenty of independent repair shops around. Visit them for an inspection, keeping your ears open for advice and recommendations on your next visit!

Do your own oil checks

When there’s not enough oil, your engine will suffer. And when your engine suffers, well, so does your wallet.

You should check your oil at least once a month. Don’t trust the check oil light alone – when you see it, some damage has already been done. Your only loyal friends, in this case, are your eyeballs, your dipstick, and a rag. They’ll tell you when you’re short on oil.

Just park the car on level ground, pop the hood and look for a bright-colored dipstick – it should be easily accessible. Pull out, clean, and insert it all the way back. Then pull it out again and look at the markings – the level should be between MIN and MAX marks.

Some cars use digital meters, in which case the procedure is different. Also, some manufacturers point out that the engine should be warmed up during check.

Replace the air filter before experiencing problems

Kudos to you if you change the air filter every year or every 20,000 kilometers. Unfortunately, many drivers overlook this task and only worry about filters when something is wrong with the car. Your engine needs lots of clean air to run correctly, and sucking it through a dirty, clogged filter isn’t doing any good.

A new filter won’t cost much, and you can change it yourself just standing in the parking lot. Look for a plastic box connected to a big intake hose underneath the hood. Open that box, and there’s the filter. Remember, if you replace an air filter only after experiencing loss of power, excessive smoke, or other problems – you’re late. Keep up with the schedule!

Use only the appropriate fluids

There are many systems in a car that require fluids. While special hydraulic fluids are necessary for braking and steering, water can serve as a coolant or windshield washer. However, you should only use water in an emergency because it initiates corrosion and freezes in negative temperatures. This may leave you with damaged hoses or even a damaged engine.

In addition to that, coolants are also divided into three main types:

Inorganic Additive Technology (IAT) – green, mostly used in older cars.
Organic Acid Technology (OAT) – red, blue, or orange, more durable and protective.
Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) – yellow or orange, a mix of IAT and OAT.

You shouldn’t choose coolant by the properties you prefer. Some operate at higher temperatures, or their internals are more prone to corrosion. Check the owner’s manual of your car to see which type a manufacturer recommends.

Don’t forget to change the transmission fluid

While everyone agrees that regular engine oil changes are necessary, most people seem to think transmission fluid is everlasting. Well, that’s wrong!

Sure – temperatures and friction inside the transmission aren’t as high as in engines, so the transmission fluid lasts longer. But you still have to change it every 60,000–80,000 kilometers.

Drivers are often afraid of the fluid change process because it’s much more complicated than changing the engine oil. Many cars don’t even have a dipstick for transmission fluid. Moreover, you’ll need to lift the car, take the wheel off, use a fluid pump, etc. You’ll be much better off leaving this to your mechanic.

Don’t push your luck with poor batteries

If your mechanic hasn’t warned you to maintain the car’s battery properly, he doesn’t know how to make your car last longer.

Modern cars are full of electronic systems and control units, which are incredibly sensitive to voltage fluctuations. Batteries weaken and aren’t able to power certain systems over time. Consider yourself lucky if a new battery and deleted fault codes solve the problem because drained batteries often damage electronics.

Even if your battery is fine, you should take a few precautions to keep it that way:

Leave it to charge overnight once in a while
Keep the terminals clean
Keep the battery hold-down tight
Check the fluid level regularly (only if the battery is serviceable)

On average, car batteries last for around 4 years. However, this period can vary between 2 and 6 years, depending on maintenance.

Replace glow or spark plugs

There are two types of plugs in internal combustion engines: glow plugs in diesel engines and spark plugs in petrol engines. Both are different, but instead of getting into details, here’s what happens when they go bad.

Due to faulty glow plugs, your engine will take a long time to start, hurting battery life, engine components, and increasing exhaust residue. Meanwhile, bad spark plugs don’t ignite the fuel properly, resulting in poor engine performance, worse fuel economy, and excessive exhaust residue.

Both glow and spark plugs are cheap as hell – help yourself and change them if you haven’t already.

Sweat the details – and fix them

Know how to take care of your car, and it will take care of you. This doesn’t mean you have to race to the repair shop at every odd sound from your engine, wheels, air conditioner, or suspension. But say some no-good hooligans have stripped the rear ornament from the trunk of your station wagon. It doesn’t seem like a big deal, but it will become a problem if you let it. True story – holes left behind over years can fill up with water, salt, dirt and rust your trunk away from the inside.

Here are a few often-overlooked tips on how to prevent minor flaws from becoming money pits:

Take the car to a body shop after noticing small paint chips and nicks
Put some tape on headlight cracks to prevent internal damages
Fix small windshield cracks to avoid replacing it later

Any crack, scratch, or tear can become major after some time, so try to solve problems shortly after discovering them.

Change the cabin air filter more often than you probably do

Manufacturers recommend less frequent air filter changes than they really should be. Change them twice as often. Not only will you breathe easier, but your HVAC system will also always be as efficient as new, and you’ll be getting way less dust on the inside of your car. Lastly, clogged cabin air filters are often the reason for foggy windows. Money well spent!

Changing a cabin filter is almost the same as changing the engine air filter. The only difference is that the cabin filter can be anywhere: inside the dashboard, behind the glove box, under the windshield, inside the hood, etc. Check your owner’s manual before ripping trims off.

Look after the leather

Leather is an excellent seating material: soft, good-looking, and durable. However, you’ve probably seen how awful leather seats can become, and this is often the result of careless use. UV rays, friction, and varying temperatures slowly destroy your leather seats.

Be gentle with them and buy a bottle of leather conditioner. Generously apply it on your seats and let it absorb for a few hours. After that, just wipe off the remains. It won’t heal scratches and cracks, but the leather itself will remain hydrated and strong for years.

Check your tire pressure often

Check the tires together with your engine oil – no less than once a month. If you have any suspicion that one of your tires is flatter than the others, head to an air pump immediately. A flat or flattening tire will lead to:

Potential chassis problems down the road
Lower fuel efficiency
Bad handling
Quicker tire wear

Have you heard jokes about filling tires with winter air? Actually, the temperature does affect tire pressure. Cold air is denser, and that’s why an inflated balloon will deflate when taken outside during cold winter.

Don’t ignore what your tires are telling you

Tires work great as an indicator of suspension problems. Bust your back a bit and inspect the inner and outer sides of each tire. If you find that one side has less tread than the other – there’s something wrong with your suspension. Usually, a bad alignment destroys tires prematurely, but worn suspension links, joints, or bushings are also common.

You should also run your hand through the tire tread. If it feels like saw teeth, your shock absorbers are probably busted. It means they don’t dampen the suspension properly, making tires very jumpy. Either way, this is a clear indication to take the car for an inspection.

Rebalance and rotate tires twice a year

Regular tire rotation and balancing are not a problem for those who use two sets of tires together with one set of rims. However, many drivers use only one set of seasonal tires all year round.

The latter situation becomes a problem when drivers don’t care about wheel balancing. Tires wear down and lose weight over time. This causes vibrations, which affect suspension components. To avoid suspension damages, preserve traction, and increase tire longevity, you should rebalance tires twice a year.

Also, don’t forget tire rotation. It means you should move the wheels from one position to another, which ensures even tire wear. If you plan on doing this yourself, remember to choose positions depending on tire type. For example, you can move directional tires only rearward and forward.

You’d better use that AC system

Even though most cars have AC systems these days, many drivers turn them off to save fuel. However, air conditioning systems tend to clog up and even corrode when not used. Refrigerant, used in AC systems, is very prone to leaks. Compared to other in-car fluids, refrigerants can leak through much smaller gaps.

Air conditioning will keep the interior fresh and free from excessive moisture. Sure, you will use a few additional liters of fuel, but at least you won’t end up with a broken AC during an unexpected heatwave.

Choose appropriate floor mats

Mainly, there are two types of car floor mats – textile and rubber. Many drivers tend to choose textile because it’s soft, comfy, and provides nicer aesthetics. However, they are terrible during rainy weather or winter because textile absorbs water, which is one of the main reasons windows steam up. On top of that, thick textile floor mats take ages to dry – try to wash them and you’ll see that for yourself!

Those who live in cold or wet climates should consider rubber floor mats because they collect water instead of absorbing it – just spill’n go!

Keep your fuel at least half full

All kinds of dirt and debris get inside your fuel tank over the years. All that grime settles down on the bottom, meaning it will get into the fuel system when driving with the fuel gauge nearing "E." Keeping the tank nearly empty doesn’t save any money – fill up and keep it that way. Otherwise, a new fuel pump, fuel lines, and injectors will drain your pockets.

Take it easy when you drive

As much as you wish it were true, you are not Lewis Hamilton’s spiritual twin or the second coming of Ayrton Senna (if you are, sorry, you can skip this one). Apartment blocks, courtyards, supermarket parking lots, and even eight-lane avenues are not F1 tracks. Odds are you’re not driving a supercar either, especially if it’s that poor old nag of a van you drive at work. If your car is street legal, it will do best being driven the way it was meant to be driven – street-legally.

Don’t panic when stuck!

It’s easy to get stuck in mud or snow, especially when in a rush. Instead of planning the way out, many just slam the accelerator and rock the car. While this approach may work, it also stresses literally every part of the engine, transmission, and suspension. Moreover, you’ll probably break plastic trims or bust a tire.

Try to remain calm and inspect the situation first. Sometimes a few branches or a small exercise with a shovel does the trick. If it’s more serious than that – do yourself a favor and ask someone to help you.

Get rid of the unnecessary cargo in the trunk

Are you still carrying that busted spare tire? How about that heavy diesel generator you borrowed from your colleague? Each additional kilogram puts more stress on the car’s suspension, tires, and even engine. It’s not worth paying extra for fuel and repairs to carry stuff you don’t even need – time to organize your boot space!

Wash often

And wash your car, too. kidding! Debris, salt, and dust eventually eat away at the clear coat, which leads to a washed-out color and premature corrosion. Washing your ride regularly is a vital part of car maintenance. Waxing it afterward is like icing on the cake, but going for the nanocoating shows her you’re really in it for the long haul. It’s not just about the looks – every surface of your car will wear down or rust sooner if it’s left dirty.

Wash your car top to bottom and use a separate bucket for wheels if you do it at home. Also, get yourself a microfiber cloth and get rid of harsh brushes that ruin that shiny clear coat. Microfiber material is soft and thick. It can collect hard dirt and sand particles without damaging the paint.

Protect rubber seals with silicone

There are all kinds of seals around the doors, windows, and trunk. They prevent water and dust from getting into the cabin and keep the interior fresh and dry. Rubber doesn’t get along with direct sunlight and varying temperatures, so seals often start to crack.

If the rubber seals in your car are busted, you should replace them. However, cover the good ones in special silicone spray. It will preserve the rubber and provide some lubrication. Just don’t use any oil-based lubricants, such as WD-40, because oils damage the rubber over time.

Take the car for underbody coating

The undercarriage of a car usually has to withstand the worst beating. It’s impossible to wash, yet it’s exposed to the worst conditions possible. The bottom of cars often rusts prematurely due to various impacts and salts. New cars always have a thick rubber coating underneath, but you should take the car for an underbody coating again as it deteriorates over the years.

If you’re into DIY stuff, you can even buy anti-chip coating in spray cans and coat the underbody in your garage. But you’ll need a car lift or at least a repair pit for proper accessibility.

Prepare for emergencies

While you may not damage the car during such incidents as a busted tire or a loose coolant hose clamp, you will by ignoring them. The point is that drivers often take risks driving further with obvious damages because they don’t have these essentials packed inside their trunk:

Spare tire
Tire repair kit
Air pump
Few liters of water
Gloves
Pliers, screwdriver, and an adjustable wrench

You don’t need to be a certified mechanic to tighten a loose clamp or change a tire. However, nobody could do that without some basic tools. Save yourself some time and money by packing these essentials right now.

Keep it sheltered

The sun and other elements are your car’s enemy, so parking in a garage, or at least in the shade, is an excellent idea that most people ignore. Even new paint jobs can’t do much against long-term color fade. The sun will also gradually damage most of your interior surfaces – plastic, wood, leather, or fabric (and that’s without the edge case of leaving your car out in the sun on the hottest day all summer).

Don’t believe us? Ignore our advice, take a picture of your car every day for ten years, and then smack your future self in the forehead. We told you so.

FAQ

How long can a car last?

It depends on the car and its maintenance. Many older cars were built differently and are more robust, so they may still keep going way past the 500,000 km line. Modern cars should last somewhere between 300,000 km and 400,000 km. After that they usually become too expensive to maintain.

Does a car’s longevity depend on fuel quality?

Yes, low quality fuel often is contaminated and affects the car’s fuel system negatively. High-pressure fuel pumps, injectors, and other components are prone to failure when exposed to fuel impurities. Buy gas only at reputable gas stations.

What should you do when a warning light pops up in the dashboard?

Red lights are critical while orange ones are meant to warn you about issues. For example, battery or cooling system lights are red because you shouldn’t drive with issues in these systems. Such lights as Check engine and ABS are orange because the car still functions without much danger to you or the car, meaning you can drive to a repair shop yourself.

What type of engine oil is best?

You should only use an oil that’s recommended by your car’s manufacturer. Check the owner’s manual for more information.

Are non-standard wheels bad for cars?

Oversized wheels stress the suspension, decreasing its longevity and messing with the handling. It’s not recommended to choose rims or tires that aren’t specified by the manufacturer.

25 tricks for making your car last longer

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