A Car Means Different Things to Different People
Some people look at a car as nothing more than a vehicle to get from one point to another in a relatively short period of time. If a car is just considered a conveyance as well as an expense chances are the service needed to keep the car in good condition may be an afterthought.
If a car is considered a valuable possession it gets more attention and becomes a reliable as well as important extension of our individual reality. Preserving a car’s drivability and protecting its resale value should be natural acts just like going to the dentist or doctor helps improve performance when we have a physical issue. Our innate ability to function effectively hinges on body and mind maintenance.
An Automobile is a Collection of Complex Parts
Just like the human body an automobile has its own lifespan depending on the health of the complex parts within the car. The mean time between failures (MTBF) of some parts is short while other parts have a higher life expectancy due to their composition and cost. The life expectancy of a car is usually measured in miles as well as years. Automakers do their best to plant new car seeds in our minds through marketing campaigns and the introduction of new body designs and engine technology, but most cars can have a very long lifespan when normal maintenance is performed on a regular basis.
It’s not uncommon for a well maintained car to perform effectively even after two or three hundred thousand miles are logged on the engine. Some automakers pride themselves on the fact that their cars are still performing with more than a half million miles on the engine. There are several factors that are related to car longevity and with a little tender loving care any car can perform its duties even after it has been in service for more than fifteen or twenty years.
Ten Steps to Ensure an Automobile’s Long Life Span
There are steps that every car owner can take to ensure that their car functions years after the new car smell has dissipated. Here are the top ten factors that will influence a car’s longevity:
* Get the oil change every three thousand miles.
* Make sure the engine fluids are always full
* Service the transmission according to the car’s maintenance manual
* Change the spark plugs according to the manual’s instructions.
* Check all the belts and replace them when wear is detected.
* Make sure the radiator is filled when the oil is changed.
* Change all the filters as needed.
* Keep the exterior of the car clean to prevent rust.
* Keep your car manual handy and read the safety labels on engine parts.
* Develop healthy driving habits.
Everyone Wants to Drive a Beautiful Car
Beauty is n the eye of the beholder, but there are a few things every car owner can do to keep their car looking beautiful. The first thing is to check under the hood at least once a week or when it’s time to refuel. Align and balance the tires after twelve thousand miles or the first time there’s a vibration in the steering wheel. Wax the car every six months and wash it once a week. Rotate the tires every six thousand miles and check the timing belt after sixty thousand miles. Winterize the car every two years and read the car manual even when the car is running smoothly.
Consumer Reports Annual Auto Survey Says Any Car Can Last for More Than Two Hundred Thousand Miles
A recent Consumer Reports survey found that any make and model car can perform like new when a maintenance schedule is followed and replacement parts are used that meet the automaker’s specifications. The survey also mentions that drivers must be aware and know when to make repairs rather than waiting for more problems to surface.