If you're like most car owners, you rely pretty heavily on your car to get you places. Cars can be very useful, but also expensive to purchase. Many car owners find themselves looking for ways to increase the length of time between purchasing new cars to help reduce some of the costs of car ownership. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to extend the life of your car.
Get It Serviced Regularly
One of the most important things you can do to keep your car running well for as long as possible is to perform regular maintenance on it. Your owners manual should contain the right maintenance schedule for your vehicle. Follow it to make sure your car gets the upkeep it needs. There is some car maintenance you can do yourself if you have the inclination to do so. If you don't, or if the necessary maintenance needs professional attention, take your car in to the dealership or your own mechanic for service.
Rent a Car on Long Trips
Going on long trips is a good way to put a lot of miles on your car and expose it to a lot more wear and tear. This can have a negative impact on your car's longevity. Renting a car for road trips can reduce your maintenance needs. It gives you a way to protect your personal vehicle from potential damage such as rock chips, extra wear on your tires and breaks, and the dirt and grime that is sure to accumulate. As an added bonus, this can be a great opportunity to try out new vehicles and see how well you like other makes and models.
Keep It Clean
Keeping your car clean does more than just keep it looking nice. It helps it last longer too. Your entire car, from the inside out and the top to the bottom, benefits from being kept clean. Dirt and grit under the hood can cause corrosion and wear away at essential components. It's also important to protect your car from rust, since it is difficult to get rid of once it starts and can damage your car.
If you want to go longer between purchasing cars, you need to take action to extend your car's life. Make sure you get it serviced regularly, consider renting a car for long trips, and keep it clean. This will help you keep your car in good condition and protect it as much as possible from wear and tear, extending its life far beyond what it otherwise might be.