What You Need to Know to Improve Your vehicle’s Longevity

There are a number of car-care tips and guidelines to consider when you want to improve on your vehicles performance and longevity. Here are some very practical ways to help keep your vehicle running longer, safer and more cost-efficiently: 

Choosing the right motor oil and changing it regularly:

A car’s motor oil is its blood and of course can not function without it. Choosing the wrong motor oil for your vehicle may impact its fuel economy and engine performance, so choose wisely. Don’t just take any motor oil from the rack: ask for more information on each type and then decide which one is best for your vehicle. Some motor oils may be the wrong type and grade and can be hazardous to your vehicle.

Regular maintenance services:

It is easier to prevent a problem than to solve it. Taking your car for a service is like going to the doctor for a check-up: Problems within your vehicle may arise without showing any “symptoms” and the only way to notice and solve them is by taking the vehicle for a service. This will prevent unknown problems from getting worse and damaging your car more than it should. Regular maintenance services also impacts your vehicle’s fuel usage and performance and will definitely pay off in the long run.
The way you drive influences your car’s longevity:

Drive like a maniac? Then don’t expect your vehicle to last as long as you would like it to. Yes, I know it is difficult to stay within the speed limit, but the way you handle your vehicle influences its performance, fuel consumption and longevity. Drive with habits that won’t take the years off your vehicle.

Choose a high quality petrol/diesel:

Do some research on the different types of fuels and how they impact a vehicle’s engine. Some fuels contain cleaning systems that cleans and protects critical engine parts to help improve engine performance. Choose wisely, it could save you a lot of money!

Other factors contributing to your vehicle’s longevity are:

- Know and use your maintenance manual
- Monitor key fluids
- Regularly check the tyres
Vehicles get old and have to be replaced some time or another. The body of the vehicle rusts, moving parts wear, and components stiffen and crack. Make the right decisions and implement these guidelines into your life to improve your vehicle’s longevity and performance.

- By Mariska van Wyk