1. Keep Up with Oil Changes

Generally, it’s recommended that you get an oil change twice a year, minimum. This varies somewhat depending on your car and your driving habits but it’s not recommended to go longer than six months without getting an oil change. Over time, your engine oil becomes contaminated from use and the environment. Even without that contamination, it will degrade over time, which is why regular oil changes are necessary to prevent damage to your engine no matter how much you drive your car.

2. Check All Your Fluids Regularly

Every fluid in your car serves a purpose to keep it running efficiently and to prevent damage to essential systems. Your transmission fluid lubricates the inside of your transmission just like the engine oil lubricates the engine. Coolant circulates throughout the engine, transmission, and radiator to keep a safe operating temperature. Checking these fluids regularly to ensure they’re not too low or contaminated will keep major repairs at bay.

3. Change Out the Air Filter

When you get an oil change, it’s a good idea to also at least check the air filter and change it about once a year. This is especially helpful if you live or frequently drive in dusty environments that can contaminate the filter faster. This will help your fuel efficiency, keep your engine healthy, and reduce emissions for your car.

4. Don’t Put Off Necessary Repairs

Whenever you suspect a problem with your car, it’s best not to put off having it checked out by a mechanic. Catching car repairs early before they become major repairs will save you money and help extend the life of your car.

5. Keep Your Car Clean

A clean car is about more than just making it look nice. Take time regularly to thoroughly wash your car, including the underside. This is especially true if you live someplace with snow where salt or chemicals are used to help clear the roads. Salt, chemicals, sap, and road tar can all take a toll on your car’s paint. Blemishes in paint can expose metal parts, which can then more easily rust.

6. Protect it From the Elements

Another factor that can cause extra wear on your car’s exterior is the sun. The sun and other environmental elements can all speed up damage to paint as well as causing cracks in decals. In addition, weather and temperature changes can wreak havoc on essential parts of your car, including your battery, shortening their lifespan.

7. Mind Your Driving Habits

The way you drive can have a huge impact on the health of essential systems in your car. Do a lot of city driving or frequently lay on your brakes? You’ll need much more frequent brake repairs. Sometimes change gears from reverse to drive while your car is in motion? You could cause unnecessary damage to your transmission.

8. Don’t Slack on Regular Maintenance

Every car has a recommended service schedule for regular maintenance. That schedule is meant to prevent unnecessary car repairs that can cost you a lot of money and shorten the lifespan of your car. Everything from oil changes to brake pad replacements will ensure minor problems are taken care of before serious repairs become necessary.

9. Drive Regularly, Avoiding Short Trips

Cold starts can cause extra wear on your engine, so it’s best if you’re able to combine trips and errands for efficiency. Likewise, letting your car sit stationary for too long can cause extra wear on parts of your car, especially the battery. The longer you let a car sit, the more likely it is you’ll need a jump to get it started again.

10. Consult Your Owner’s Manual

When all else fails, check with your owner’s manual. Your manufacturer will outline the correct fluids, tire pressure, and maintenance schedule for your car so that you know exactly what you can do to keep it running efficiently longer.

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