Audrey's Automotive Blog

Two tips for keeping your car in excellent condition

17 June 2017

Penny Roberts

Repairing or replacing a car can be both expensive and time-consuming. Given this, it's worth taking measures to ensure that your vehicle remains in excellent condition. Here are a couple of ways to do this.

Perform basic maintenance on a regular basis

Many car owners assume that all they need to do to keep their vehicle in good working order is bring it into their mechanic for a servicing once a year. In reality, if you want your car to stay in good condition, you need to perform basic maintenance on a regular basis.

For example, you should check and adjust the pressure levels on all of your vehicle's tyres at least once every two weeks. Low pressure levels can significantly increase the chances of tyre failure; should this occur when you're driving, it could lead to your car being involved in a road accident which, in addition to endangering your well-being, could also result in your vehicle needing major repair work. Low tyre pressure can also increase your vehicle's fuel consumption.

You should also check your engine's oil and coolant levels a couple of times per month. The former helps to lubricate the engine's components, thus eliminate any friction which would otherwise result in severe wear and tear, whilst the latter prevents the engine from overheating (excess heat can cause the engine's metal components to warp and malfunction).

Drive sensibly

The way that you use your car can have a surprisingly significant impact on its overall condition. For instance, if you have a tendency to allow everyday items to accumulate in the boot, passenger seats and floor of your vehicle, this could increase the speed with which its components deteriorate. Driving around with heavy loads not only places additional pressure on the engine but can also cause the brake and suspension systems to wear out faster.

Your driving style can also affect the condition of your car. Frequently pressing down on the brakes in an abrupt and forceful manner, for example, can lead to the brake pads wearing out very quickly. It can also damage the brake rotors, causing them to overheat and warp to the point where they no longer perform their function.

Whilst there are situations in which it is genuinely necessary to brake abruptly (you might, for example, need to make a sudden stop to avoid hitting a pedestrian or animal on the road), it's important not to allow it to become a habit.

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