Go the Extra Mile: 3 Insider Tips for a Vehicle That Lasts

There are two kinds of car people: Those who buy a car for temporary use only to trade it in for the next best thing after a couple of years, and then there are those who purchase a car to drive until the wheels fall off. Regardless of what type of car person you are, there is one thing you need out of your vehicle. You need it to last.

Let's assume you are purchasing a new (or newer) vehicle. Those who only drive it for several years usually don't have to hassle with much besides the regular car maintenance. However, if you want to get the most out of your vehicle, which means owning it for years to come, there are several different ways to keep it going.

Along with regular maintenance, if you have the intention of keeping your vehicle through 100,000 miles, or even 200,000 miles, you will have to take proper care of all the parts to ensure that it continues to run smoothly and safely until you're ready to let go.

Many cars are reliable and built to last well into (and past) the 100,000-mile marker. However, you have to do your part in keeping your vehicle in tiptop shape. When you take better care of your car, it will continue to get you from point A to point B for years to come. Plus, when you look after your vehicle, you won't have to replace parts, often with hefty repair bills.

Unsure of what you should do in order to keep your car running long term? Don't worry! We have you covered. If you're in it for the long haul, check out these 3 insider tips that will help you get the most of your vehicle.

Practice Defensive Driving

While your car is made of heavy duty materials, that doesn't mean you should treat it any which way. In fact, those with “harsh” driving techniques experience more wear and tear throughout the years.

However, when you practice defensive driving, you are essentially taking better care of your car. Not to mention your driving record. Below are ways to utilize defensive driving techniques.

• Always accelerate slowly. From a standstill position (such as at a red light) it's best to start off slowly, and then gradually build steam. You shouldn't accelerate so quickly that you and/or your passenger's head hits the seat. Nor should you slam on the gas pedal, making it hard for your transmission gears to keep up with your speed.
• Sudden stops are just as damaging as sudden starts to your vehicle. When you have to suddenly slam on your brakes, the car's suspension absorbs the force in order to keep the vehicle from tipping over. If this happens again and again, you'll quickly wear them out.
• Never take a turn, specifically sharp turns, at high speeds. When you do this, the vehicle's suspension and wheels will overcompensate. This leads to major wear and even causes them to break. Not only is that dangerous, but the repair costs aren't cheap. It's better to get in the habit of slowing down now.
• During the winter, it's always a good practice to allow the car to warm up before driving off. This warm up time is to make sure the engine's lubricating oil is warm enough to do its job.

Always Maintain Fluids

An absolutely crucial part of ensuring your car's longevity is maintaining all fluids. From coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and even oil, a regular flush, top off, or change will keep deposits from building up, harming internal components. If you want a vehicle to stick around for the long haul, keeping fluids clean and full, along with regular oil changes, is your best way to ensure that happens.

Keep the Inside of Your Car Clean

Keeping a clean interior is essential to the longevity to your vehicle. Think about it. The inside of any vehicle is exposed to human debris - dirt, food, grime, etc. If you have leather seats, be sure to moisturize the seats to avoid cracking. Use weatherproof mats to avoid dirt from caking the floor. Make sure if you live in hot areas that you use UV shields to avoid damage to the dash. Last, be sure that when you wash the exterior, the interior gets a good vacuum and cleaning, too.

Last, remember to listen to your vehicle. Especially after owning it for some time, you will be able to notice if something is off if you just tune in. Don't wait, if you feel like your tires, engine/oil, fluids, brakes, or anything else is off. Waiting until problems are too big or unfixable will only result in disaster. When you make repairs promptly, you're only adding to your vehicle's lifespan.