In today’s economy, it is more important than ever to get the most out of your vehicle. Luckily, the way that you treat your car can do wonders in extending its life. In this article we’ll take a look at some of the easy things you can do to make sure that your car lasts as long as you need it to.

Take care of your engine

The engine is the lifeblood of any car. The longer you can make it last, the cheaper it is to run your car. However, just like any technology, engines can be sensitive towards ill treatment. Some of the best ways to show your engine some TLC is through your driving habits. Abruptly changing speeds, or continuously driving at high speeds, can cause a lot of wear and tear on your engine. Idling your engine, especially in freezing cold temperatures, can also put a lot of undue stress on your engine.

Give your car the proper fuel

Just like with bodies, cars need the proper fuel in order to run correctly. There are several different things to consider when fueling up your car. First, you should always follow your manufacturer’s recommendation when it comes to the kind of fuel you should put in your car. Second, you should only frequent gas stations that are known to follow proper gas filtration. The last thing you want is to have unwanted particles getting into your gas tank. It’s also a good idea to avoid gas stations when the gas truck is currently there. While filling up the gas reserves, these trucks can also stir up the sediment in the underground reservoirs, which can then be transferred into your gas tank.

Follow the maintenance schedule

Routine oil changes are one of the best things you can do to make sure that every part of your car continues to work properly. Oil changes, along with other scheduled maintenance, not only keep your car in good working condition but also help you avoid expensive repairs by catching any potential problems in their earliest phases. Talk to your certified auto mechanic to find out what the best maintenance schedule is for your particular car.

Make it shine

Not only will regularly washing your car (inside and out) help maintain the appearance of your car, it can also help prevent problems such as rusting.

By giving your old car a little extra attention, you can make sure that it lasts until you are financially ready to upgrade.