Aside from your home, your car is likely going to be one of the most significant investments you make. Cars aren’t cheap, and with the cost of living crisis` showing no signs of easing soon, being able to maintain your vehicle can help you extend its life span and keep it out of the garage for as long as possible. White, it’s only inevitable you will need an auto repair from time to time thanks to wear and tear. Being able to prevent significant issues by caring for your car correctly can save you money in the long run. Here’s how you can do that.

Annual Services

While not a legal requirement like your MOT, all drivers should carry out service every 10,000 miles or annually, whatever comes first. More often if you drive long distances frequently or are on the road constantly. Services help maintain the car’s health and allow you to get a pair of eyes on the Engine and working parts to ensure it is in full working order.

Keep The Weight Down

Manufacturers keep the car as light as possible to help maximise fuel efficiency and meet emissions guidelines. Loading up your car with items you don’t need daily will increase this weight and cause more wear and tear on your vehicle as it puts extra pressure on the car. Adding in extra loads for long journeys from time to time is perfectly fine; this is carrying additional shopping in your car you didn’t take out, heavy sporting equipment, general rubbish, toys, empty bottles and so on. Keep it clean, tidy, and free from anything that doesn’t need to be in there.

Drive Smoothly

The smoother you drive, the less pressure you put on your engine and the longer they will last. It’s as cute as that. Understanding your car’s components and how they work together along with driving as smoothly as possible can help you react to situations better to reduce the need for sudden braking and sharp acceleration and limit the damage caused by general driving habits.

Top Up Fluids Regularly

Your engine needs fluids to be able to operate, and not topping them up when required can put you at risk of severe damage. From running out of oil to low coolant levels, if you are embarking on a long journey, this could spell disaster. You need to check your fluid levels fortnightly and replace or top up as required with screenwash, coolant and oil.

Check Your tires

Your tires are your car’s only contact with the road. You need them to be in the best possible condition. Check them weekly for any signs of damage or uneven wear, and check the Tread on the car is above the legal limit. Low tread, uneven wear, and low tire pressure can increase your risk of accidents and affect your vehicle’s performance. The UK minimum depth for tire tread is 1.6 mm, and the RAC recommends you change them between 2 and 3 cm to ensure complete safety.

Keeping your car well looked after and driven correctly is the best way to extend its lifespan and help you avoid massive Repair Costs. Prevention is better than cure, as they say, and this, too, applies to your car.