Average age of a vehicle when it is scrapped is 14 years. The average age of cars on the road is around eight years.
But don’t worry There are a few easy steps you can take to give your motor the best chance of reaching its peak.
With the assistance from RAC patrol ambassador Chris Burgess, we’ve compiled an easy-to-follow list of tips to minimise running costs and keep your car in the garage for years to be.
1. Maintain your car’s battery
If you don’t utilize your car for extended times, the battery is likely to wear out and become empty.
Think about using a trickle charger in order to keep the battery charged if your vehicle is kept in garage for a long time, or use a battery conditioner if it appears to have less power than it normally does.
If your battery does go flat, the need to jump-start your car places additional stress on the battery and may end up damaging engines management systems, as well as other delicate electronic components: an added burden of wear.
To look after your battery without a trickle charger you should drive your car every single day when you are able, particularly during winter.
2. Change filters on a regular basis
Your car’s oil filter and air filter will get blocked over time, which is why it’s crucial to renew them regularly.
It is recommended that they be replaced in conjunction with scheduled maintenance, but they are both relatively easy jobs – particularly an air filter swap – so you might consider giving it a trial and save costs in the process. It is possible to hire a mobile mechanic to complete a service from the convenience in your own driveway.
It is possible to extend the life of the air filter by cleaning it as well. Refer to your manual for guidance on filter cleaning and changes Be sure to use genuine parts. Cheap, poor quality filters could damage your engine in the longer term.
3. Enjoy driving smoothly… most of the time
The ability to drive with mechanical sympathy is something you should practise throughout the day. That means using the controls of your vehicle while understanding how it works.
By doing this, you’ll reduce wear on components and make your fuel last longer. Simple things like operating the steering wheel, gearbox, and pedals at a comfortable speed are important as is looking ahead in order to minimize the necessity for sudden braking.
However, if you do not rev your engine completely carbon deposits will build up and foul the intake manifold, valves and other parts, reducing efficiency , which could lead to an engine fire.
You should therefore permit your vehicle to rev up to the redline at least every few hundred miles – however only when the oil is warm and you’re driving on the road in a peaceful area.
Diesel cars could also face issues with blocked DPFs, also known as diesel particulate filters (DPFs) They are specifically designed to block harmful exhaust emissions.
A longer trip on the motorway once per month will aid in clearing them.
4. Use your air conditioning
‘Use it or get rid of it’ an expression that can be applied to air conditioning.
Air-con systems will let out refrigerant gases over time, particularly if they aren’t used regularly.
Turning off your air conditioner can reduce the need for fuel, however, you may end up paying the cost of the gassing of your air conditioner instead.
That’s right, it’s occasionally letting your vents run cold in winter, too.
5. Replace the spark plugs and leads.
As automobiles become increasingly complex, motorists are less inclined to do their own servicing.
But, replacing spark plugs and high-tension leads is yet another straightforward job you can do yourself to boost your engine’s performance.
Remember that you must always check the manual for your vehicle prior to making any decisions and adhere to the maintenance schedule however.
Inspecting spark plugs, be sure to check that it has:
A light brown electrode as well as an insulation
No sign of melting
No signs of wear or deposits.
A spark plug that is in bad condition could indicate wear over time and requires replacement or could indicate the state of the engine.
If the plug is new and has formed an extensive gap between electrodes and insulators, it could be an indication that the engine isn’t performing to its best. If that’s the case, it is recommended to consult your local garage.
If the leads have cracks or show signs of significant wear, they should be replaced. We suggest using an approved garage to carry this out If you’re confident and believe in yourself, you may be able to do it yourself as in line with the directions in your car’s manual.
This does not apply to diesel vehicles since they don’t make use of spark plugs.
6. Refill your fluids often
Fluids are the lifeblood of your car and not replenishing them may have dire consequences.
Make sure to check your engine oil at least every fortnight, with the bonnet open (with your car standing on a level surface) and removing the dipstick. Wipe it clean with a rag then take it for an oil bath.
If it is able to come back the oil level must be within the maximum and minimum markers – and a light yellowy-brown hue if you have an engine that is petrol.
Dark, dirty oils should be changed. Diesel engine oil is prone to accumulating soot as a result of the normal combustion process, therefore dark-coloured oil isn’t a reason to be concerned with diesel cars.
Other areas to check fortnightly include the reservoir for coolant, that you need to top up with 50% distilled water and 50% antifreeze, and the washer bottle for the windscreen.
We suggest buying a commercially-produced screenwash to get rid of the latter.
Avoid using washing-up liquid since it is a source of salt as well as other ingredients that will damage paintwork.
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7. Verify your tires
Tyres are the most vital safety feature, and it’s no exaggeration to suggest that checking them on a regular basis each week, about once can make a difference to your safety.
The tyres that are underinflated will also cause an increase in fuel consumption, so keep them at the pressures that are recommended in the handbook of your car to help reduce your expenses.
Remember, tyre pressures may be different for the back and front tyres. Some experts suggest rotating your tyres (i.e. changing the fronts to the rear, and vice versa) in order to even-out wear and increase the lifespan of your tyres.
In the interest for safety we advise using the least-worn tyres on the rear axle, since losing front grip (understeer) is much easier to manage than an rear-end slide (oversteer).
8. Keep to the service timetable
Regular servicing is vital to ensure your car is in top shape and extend the lifespan of your car.
Service intervals are based on the amount of miles or time driven every year, (or every 10,000 km), for instance.
Check the handbook to find out when your vehicle is due a service and what work is required.
Most modern cars come with warning lights on their dashboards to alert you when maintenance is required.
The general rule is to budget for a ‘minor annual service and a major service every three or four years.
A minor service includes changing the oil and filter, as well as changing any other fluids that are required.
Depending on the model of the vehicle and mileage, a substantial service could also include maintenance of the spark plugs, air filter and cambelt.
The number of tasks included in even the smallest of services is numerous, but all should include checks for leaks of fluid and oil and tyre pressures as well as condition as well as excessive emissions from exhaust brake wear, the proper operation of the steering, gearbox, clutch, suspension lights, wipers, and the horn.
You can be on the right the right track with your vehicle’s maintenance and save money by obtaining MOT or service plans to take care of the costs for two years.
9. Cover it up
Many of us have garages however how many actually utilize them? Let’s change the question: how many actually keep cars in them?
As cars get bigger and more corrosion-resistant, the majority are left on a driveway or on a road, the garage effectively becoming an extension of the garden shed or loft.
Consider this as your reason to get rid of your car. Parking your car in a garage can keep it clean, dry and safe, reducing chances of accidental damage vandalism, theft and other vandalism.
It could even lower your car insurance premium, too. If you don’t have the use of a garage buying a high-quality car cover in lieu – especially if park your vehicle for long durations of time.
10. Make sure you keep the weight low
Manufacturers of motor vehicles are always looking at ways to reduce the car’s weight in order to increase the miles per gallon and be in compliance with the emission requirements.
Therefore, it makes a lot of sense to reduce the weight of your car to a minimum wherever possible.
Being overweight is sure to dent your car’s fuel economy. Additionally, you’ll put extra wear and tear on your tyres, brakes and suspension.
A simple solution is to remove any unnecessary objects from the vehicle.
Start by looking in the pockets in the door and glovebox and then check beneath the seats to find missing toys or drinks bottles.
Moving on to the storage area Clear out all the stuff that you do not need. Remember to put away the toolkit, the jack and the locking wheel key in the event of an emergency.
It’s recommended to keep a breakdown kit there just in case you’re unlucky enough to break down.
11. Have you had your car sealed against rust
Modern vehicles are extremely resistant to rust however, metal corrosion is the number-one killer of vehicles built in the 1990s or prior to.
When it’s established there are many that will not be economical to repair.
If you see rust spots on your vehicle Don’t let them wait to develop – at the minimum, apply coats of paint prior to having it professionally to be resprayed.
Applying a stone-deflecting film on the exterior of your vehicle will help protect your paintwork from damage initially.
You could also have the chassis properly rust-proofed which means filling the cavities with a waxy substance that is designed to block water ingress.
As with all the suggestions in this article, it can make you money in the long run.
12. Resist the temptation to modify
Modifying your car is likely to reduce its reliability and decrease its longevity.
The process of tuning the engine to increase power puts extra strain on other parts of the engine, such as the brakes when you drive more rapidly as a result.
The sportier look of the suspension results in wear and tear on the frames, subframes, and bushes.
Keep in mind that the modification costs likely won’t boost the value of your vehicle.
However, the opposite is usually the case. Depreciation is often the most costly cost associated with running a vehicle, reducing the value of the vehicle for resale shouldn’t be considered lightly.
13. Avoid driving over potholes or rough tracks
Potholes wreak havoc on you suspensions, tires, and exhaust.
The rough edges of poorly-maintained roads can lead to sidewall cracks, tread separation and in some cases , they could deflate tyres too. When driving over crater-like holes suspensions can get misaligned and the shocks can be damaged.
The deeper holes could even scratch catalytic converters causing holes and the loss power.
Where possible, it’s best to travel on roads with smoother surfaces , to avoid the wear and tear.
14. You can use your brakes to slow down speed instead of shifting gears down
Reducing engine braking, or changing gears to reduce your speed, can cause damage to your drivetrain, specifically the clutch and transmission.
When you use your gears to brake during travel, especially at higher speeds, could decrease the lifespan of your engine. The damage is more severe if you use many gears.
Your brake pedals can be your best companion when it comes to preventing damage to the gearbox. They should be the first point of contact whenever you want to lower your speed.
15. Make sure your car is clean
We’ve all met people who don’t clean their cars (and perhaps you’re one of them! ) However, keeping your car clean isn’t all about vanity: it can significantly prolong the life of your car, too.
Grit is absorbed by moving parts and into the chassis, which causes accelerated damage and the possibility of corrosion. Bird droppings can play havoc with the paintwork while winter road salt is particularly corrosive (so be sure to are aware of what to do if you find yourself stuck behind the gritter! ).
Automated car washes are made of tough brushes that could leave small scratches, and they miss bits, too. A hand wash or DIY task is generally significantly more precise.
You’ll require a pre-rinse prior to undertaking a deeper cleaning. Remember to use a suitable cleaning solution instead of washing-up liquid before drying your car using the help of a soft chamois.
A polish every year will give an extra layer of protection and keep rust from spreading.
It’s also essential to keep the inside of your car clean with a microfibre cloth and to clean any crumbs or dirt off floor mats.
Spraying a protective coating on the dashboard plastics can reduce the risk of cracking or discolouration. Putting an umbrella in the windscreen on sunny days also helps.
16. Avoid resting your foot on the clutch and your hand should be on the gearstick
Some drivers are inclined towards driving with their foot sitting on the pedal of their car. This puts the clutch release bearing towards the cover of the clutch, leading to excessive friction. In time, the clutch could wear down prematurely.
Similar to this, it’s tempting to place your hands on the gearstick between gear changes but this puts pressure to the fork of the selector and other internal components. The friction increases wear and tear on the gear box.
Try to get into the habit of moving your hands onto the steering wheel and put your left foot in the footwell instead.
17. Make sure you don’t have fuel insufficient.
If you’re running out of petrol , the fuel pump will draw in air, debris and sediment that are found at the bottom of the tank of fuel in an attempt to power your vehicle.
The debris can block the system, which can eventually cause corrosion to your pump and filters which could block fuel, hindering your car’s start.
Car owners who own diesel vehicles must be especially cautious about low levels of fuel since the injectors that power their engines draw huge amounts of air into the system, which may stop the engine from rotating.
Maintaining high levels of fuel can reduce repair costs further down the road.
18. Do not skimp on components
Manufacturers drive millions of miles, and they invest billions of dollars into the development of research to make sure that their vehicles are as safe as possible. Why would they put their cars in danger by using cheap “pattern” components just in order to spare a couple of pounds?
Utilizing original components can make you money in the long run, by keeping your vehicle in the roadway. In the case of classic cars in particular the use of original parts is crucial to the future value.
Giving your car the best also applies to the fluids you are using.
Search for the recommended oil for your engine in the handbook . Also particularly if you own an automobile that performs well and requires ‘premium’ fuel (e.g. super unleaded) and utilize it. This is what the car was designed and developed for.