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Driving your own car means more than open roads and the freedom to go wherever, whenever. There’s also responsibility. Drivers often think that as long as they pass their test, they’re equipped to keep a car on the road. Mechanics say knowing your vehicle inside out is essential to avoiding expensive shocks. The line between a long-lived car and a persistent clunker is knowledge, foresight, and daily habits.
Study the Manual
Drivers often think they know the basics of driving and how to take care of their vehicles, but each car is different. Your Kia or Toyota may have a unique maintenance schedule, and dashboard warning lights vary significantly between makes and models. These indicators are there for a reason, they may highlight a small issue or point out something that could compromise your safety if left unchecked.
Professional mechanics confirm that failure to follow the intricacies of your specific vehicle can have serious consequences. Ignoring a warning light or skipping a scheduled item can cause damage to your engine or other parts. At best, this will just cost you money, and at worst, it could put you and your passengers in danger on the road. Reading through your manual and getting to know the intricacies of your specific model is the first step toward avoiding preventable situations.
Car Maintenance
Buying a car is one thing. Maintaining a car is another. Neglecting routine maintenance is a surefire way to end up spending a lot of money on repairs. As with any mechanical device, your car is subject to the effects of wear and tear, and even new cars require upkeep. Routine maintenance is how you make sure your car runs the way it should.
You should first have a schedule to which you stick. While you can certainly exhaust your budget on cool modifications or use up all the gas driving around aimlessly, setting aside money for routine maintenance is a worthwhile endeavor. Regular maintenance will not only help you avoid inconvenient breakdowns and repairs, but it will also help preserve your car's resale value. In fact, many manufacturers will void warranties if they see that preventative maintenance was not performed.
Daily Care
Jimmy Nilsson Masth on Unsplash
Mechanics also stress that maintenance isn't limited to just scheduled service visits; it also extends to daily habits and practices. Gentle driving and cleaning your car regularly can both add many miles of life to your vehicle. Driving with smooth clutch control, moderate braking, and using roads with less abrasion all help reduce stress on your car.
Long drives, such as on a highway, can also benefit your car over short, frequent trips, as the engine can reach its most efficient temperature and won’t have buildup in your oil and filter as often. Even smaller steps can be important, like daily washing of salt in the winter or keeping your tires properly inflated. While some tasks need professional inspections, ideally at least annually, most of the above mechanic tips can be included as part of daily life. Your car will stay in top shape and eventually reach the magic seven-figure mileage.
