To keep your car running strong for longer, Ponder Auto Repair in Johnson City presents How to Maximize the Life of Your Car, Part 2.
Like we mentioned in our previous article, many of us are driving our cars longer and racking up big miles. So how do you get more from your vehicle? According to a Kiplinger article, there are a number of maintenance items that should be taken care of like changing the transmission fluid or getting oil changes on time using synthetic oil. Let’s take a closer look.
Fewer Short Trips
Your car will last longer if you can avoid driving it short distances because the engine doesn’t have a chance to reach operating temperature. We are talking about trips of less than five miles in normal temperatures or less than ten miles in freezing temperatures.
Because water is a byproduct of engine combustion, it can get into your car’s oil and exhaust system every time the engine runs. When the car first starts, there is more fuel mixed in to get it running. When you take a longer trip the engine gets hot and boils the unburned fuel out of the oil, your engine, and your exhaust. That doesn’t happen on a short trip but instead, the oil, water, and fuel in the crankcase eventually turn into a noxious sludge.
Synthetic Oil
Synthetic oil changes cost more but it is much better for your engine and may prevent costly repair bills down the road. More car manufacturers are recommending synthetic oil, particularly in performance models. To handle the higher thermal stress in turbocharged or supercharged engines, you may want to consider using synthetic oil.
Transmission Fluid
Don’t forget to change the transmission fluid and filter. Check with our technicians about your specific car but generally, you should replace the transmission fluid at least by 100,000 miles. If you still have your owner’s manual, you can usually find your manufacturer’s recommended mileage for this type of service.
Clean Your Car
It’s important to keep your car clean, inside and particularly out. If you regularly wash the road salts and other environmental substances off the car’s exterior and undercarriage it will prevent corrosion and keep the paint looking good. While you’re washing it, look for any problems, like cracked lenses in your headlights.
Bearings, Bushings, and Belts
We can help you replace the tires, brake pads, timing and accessory belts, and shock absorbers. In addition, you should replace the suspension bearings and bushings that isolate your suspension from the rest of the car and dampen noise in order to protect the tires and the alignment. If you are replacing your shocks and struts, go ahead and have all the bushings done at the same time. It’s also important to replace timing belts and the water pump.
Because people are driving their cars longer, it’s important to follow our tips covered here in How to Maximize the Life of Your Car, Part 2. This includes avoiding short trips, using synthetic oil, changing the transmission fluid, keeping your car clean, and replacing the bearing, bushings, and belts. And our technicians at Ponder Auto Repair in Johnson City can help you with the entire checklist. Our philosophy is customer care, customer awareness, and customer education.