Average age of a car at scrappage is around 14 years, while the average age of vehicles in the road is closer to eight years.
Don’t fret you can take a few simple steps you can make to give your vehicle the best chance to reach its golden years.
With the assistance by RAC patrol ambassador, Chris Burgess, we’ve compiled some easy-to-follow guidelines to cut down on running costs and keep your car on the road for years to be.
1. Maintain your car’s battery
If you don’t drive your vehicle for extended durations, the battery will degrade and then go to a flat state.
It is a good idea to use a trickle charger in order to keep the battery charged when your car is parked in garage for a long time, or use a battery conditioner if the battery seems to be holding less charge than usual.
If the battery ever goes flat, then having to start your car from a jump adds additional stress to the battery and may damage engines management systems and other electronic components that are delicate: A double-whammy of more wear.
To look after your battery that is not a trickle charger you should make an effort to drive your vehicle every single day If you can, especially in winter.
2. Change filters often
The car’s oil filter as well as the air filter get clogged with time, which is why it’s crucial to replace them on a regular basis.
They must be replaced in conjunction with scheduled maintenance, but they are both relatively easy jobs – particularly an air filter change, so you may decide to give it a try yourself and save money in the process. You could even hire a mobile mechanic to do your service in the convenience from your home driveway.
It is possible to extend the life of the air filter by cleaning it too. Consult your handbook for advice on cleaning and maintenance of your filter Make sure you utilize genuine parts. Filters that are cheap and of poor quality could cause damage to your engine in the long run.
3. You can drive smoothly… most of the time.
Mechanical sympathy is something you must practice always. This means that you should be able to operate the controls of your vehicle and understanding how it functions.
Doing so will reduce component wear and you’ll make your fuel go further. Simple things like using an ergonomic steering wheel and gearbox, and pedals at a comfortable speed are important, along with looking well ahead to reduce the need for sudden braking.
That said, if you don’t rev your engine completely carbon deposits will build up and cause a fouling of the intake manifold, valves and other parts, decreasing efficiency , which could lead to an ignition problem.
So, it is important to let your car rev up to the redline at a minimum of every few hundred miles – but only when the oil is warm and you’re on the road in a peaceful area.
Diesel vehicles may also experience issues with blocked diesel particulate filters (DPFs) They are made to trap harmful exhaust emissions.
A longer drive every month will help clear the roads of.
4. Make use of the air conditioning
‘Use it or lose it’ is an expression that could be used to describe air conditioning.
Air-con systems inevitably leak refrigerant gas over time, particularly if they aren’t often used.
Turning off your air conditioner can save you money, but you could end up with the bill for the gassing of your air conditioner instead.
And yes, that means sometimes letting your vents go cold in winte rtoo.
For more stories like this check out our motoring blog.
5. Replace spark plugs and lead
As automobiles become increasingly complicated, drivers are less inclined to do their own maintenance.
But, replacing spark plugs and high-tension leads is a simple task you can complete yourself to enhance your engine’s performance.
Be aware that you must always refer to the manual for your vehicle prior to making any decisions and stick to the service schedule but.
When inspecting the spark plug, make sure whether it’s:
an electrode with a light brown color and insulator
no signs of melting
there are no indications of wear or deposits.
A spark plug that is in poor condition may indicate wear over time, and is in need of replacement It could also indicate the condition of your engine.
If your instrument is relatively new and has created an extensive gap between the plug’s electrode and the insulation it may be a sign the engine isn’t performing well. If that’s the case you should consult the garage in your area.
If the leads are cracked or have signs of severe wear, they should be replaced. We recommend using an accredited garage for this work If you’re in a position to are confident, you can carry it out yourself as in line with the guidelines in your manual for your vehicle.
This doesn’t apply to diesel vehicles as they don’t make use of spark plugs.
6. Make sure you replenish fluids frequently
Fluids are the lifeblood of your vehicle and failure to replenish them could have devastating consequences.
Check your engine oil every fortnight, with the bonnet open (with your car on level ground) and taking off the dipstick. Make sure to wipe it clean using the help of a rag, then take it for an oil bath.
When it comes back out, the oil level should be between the minimum and maximum markers – and a light yellowy-brown colour if your vehicle has an engine powered by petrol.
Dark, dirty oil needs to be replaced. But, the diesel engine’s oil builds up soot as a part of the normal combustion process. Therefore, dark-colored oil shouldn’t be reason to worry about a diesel car.
Other areas to check fortnightly include the coolant reservoir that you need to top up by adding 50% distilled water as well as 50% antifreeze, and the windshield washer bottle.
We recommend buying a screenwash from a supermarket to get rid of the latter.
Beware of using wash-up fluid as it can contain salt and other additives which can harm paintwork.
7. Take a look at your tyres
Tyres are the most important safety feature and it’s not an exaggeration to say that checking them regularly every week – around once is likely to help save your life.
Under-inflated tyres will also increase the amount of fuel consumed, so make sure you keep them at the pressures recommended by your car’s handbook to save money.
Be aware that tyre pressures could differ for back and front tyres. Some experts suggest rotating your tyres (i.e. changing the fronts to the rear, and in reverse) to help even out wear and extend the life of your tyres.
However, in the interests in the interest of security, we suggest using the least-worn tyres on the rear axle, since the losing front grip (understeer) could be less difficult to control than a rear-end slide (oversteer).
8. Keep to the service timetable
Regular maintenance is essential to keep your car in top shape and extend the lifespan of your car.
Service intervals are determined by the amount of miles or time driven – once a year (or every 10,000 km), for instance.
Check the handbook to find the date 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.
In general, you should prepare for a’minor each year for a service and a major’ service every two or three years.
A minor service includes changing the oil and oil filter, and replacing other fluids , if needed.
Depending on the model of the vehicle and mileage, a substantial repair may also involve maintenance of the spark plugs, air filter and cambelt.
The number of tasks included in even the smallest of services is numerous, but all are required to check for leaks in the fluid or oil along with tyre pressures, condition and excessive exhaust emissions, brake wear, and the correct operation of the steering or gearbox. Also, check the clutch, suspension as well as lights, wipers, and horn.
You can keep on in line with the maintenance of your car and save money by obtaining a service or MOT plan to split the cost across two consecutive years.
9. Make sure it is covered
Many of us have garages However, how many actually use garages? OK, we’ll rephrase that what percentage actually store cars in them?
As cars become larger and more corrosion-resistant, most are left on a driveway or a road, with garages being an extension to the garden shed or loft.
Consider this as your reason to clear your space. The parking of your vehicle in a garage helps keep it clean, dry and safe, decreasing the chances of accidental damage vandalism, theft and other vandalism.
This can cut down the cost of your insurance for cars, too. If you don’t own the benefit of a garage, consider purchasing a premium car cover instead – particularly if you leave your car parked for long periods of time.
10. Make sure you keep the weight low
Manufacturers of motor vehicles are always seeking ways to decrease the weight of their vehicles in order to improve the mileage per gallon as well as be in compliance with the emission requirements.
This is why it makes lots of sense to reduce the weight of your car as low as you can.
Carrying extra weight can lower the efficiency of your car. Additionally, you’ll put extra wear and tear on your tyres, brakes and suspension.
The best solution is to remove any unnecessary objects out of the car.
Start by looking in the glovebox and door pockets and then check under the seat for loose toys or bottles of drink.
Moving to the car boot Clear out all the stuff that you do not need. Be sure to remove the toolkit, the jack and locking wheel nuts in case of emergencies.
It’s important that you keep an emergency kit in there just in case you’re lucky enough to be able to have a breakdown.
11. Have you had your car been rust-proofed
Modern vehicles are extremely rust-resistant, but metal corrosion is the main cause of death of vehicles made in the 1990s or before.
As it gets worse the onset, it will be able to afford repairs.
If you spot rust spots on your car do not wait for them to grow – at the minimum, protect the bodywork exposed with touch-up paint before getting it professionally and resprayed.
Applying a stone-deflecting film on an area on the outside of your vehicle can help prevent damage to paintwork at all.
It’s also possible to have the frame properly rust-proofed by filling the holes with a waxy material designed to block the entry of water.
Similar to the rest of the advice here, it could make you money over the long haul.
12. Do not allow yourself to be enticed to change
Modifying your car’s engine will likely make it less reliable and reduce its lifespan.
Tuning the engine for more power adds extra strain to other components, including the brakes if you drive more rapidly as a result.
Stiffer, sportier suspension causes additional wear to the frames, subframes, and bushes.
Keep in mind that the money spent on modifications probably won’t boost the value of your car.
Indeed, the opposite can be true. Depreciation is often the most expensive cost of operating a car, the reduction in the value of the vehicle for resale shouldn’t be considered lightly.
13. Avoid driving over potholes and rough tracks
Potholes can cause havoc to the suspension of your vehicle, as well as tyres and exhaust.
The sharp edges that are found on poorly-maintained roads can lead to sidewall bumps, tread separation, and in some cases they can reduce the tyre’s air pressure too. When you drive through crater-like pits, suspension can become misaligned and the shocks can be damaged.
In deeper holes, you could scrape catalytic converters, causing holes and a loss of power.
When possible, it’s better to choose roads with more smooth surfaces to reduce wear and tear.
14. You can use your brakes to slow down speed rather than shifting gears down
Engine braking, or shifting gears to slow down your speed, can damage your drivetrain, specifically the clutch and transmission.
The use of your gears for brakes when you travel, particularly at higher speeds can reduce the life of your engine. The damage can be worse if the vehicle is in several gears.
Your brake pedals can be your best companion when it comes to preventing damage to your gearbox . It should be the first port of call when you are trying to slow down the speed.
15. Clean your car regularly
We all know people who do not wash their cars (and perhaps you’re one of them! ) It’s important to keep your car clean isn’t all about appearance: it can actually extend your car’s life, as well.
Grit is absorbed by moving parts and the chassis, leading to accelerated damage and the possibility of corrosion. Bird droppings can be a problem with the paintwork, as well as winter salt can be especially harmful to the body (so make sure you know what to do when you are stuck in the gritter! ).
Automated car washes come with rigid brushes which can cause scratches on the surface – and they miss bits, too. While a hand wash or DIY project, is generally much more thorough.
There’s a need to wash your car before taking on a deeper cleaning. Remember to use a suitable cleaning solution instead of water-based washing liquid. Finally, dry the vehicle with the soft the chamois.
A once-a-year polish can provide an extra layer of protection and stop rust from spreading.
It’s also crucial to keep the inside of your car clean by using a the use of a microfibre towel and to get rid of any crumbs and dirt off floor mats.
Using a protective spray on the dashboard plastics reduces the possibility of cracking and discolouration, while placing an umbrella in the windscreen during bright days can also help.
16. Do not place your foot on the clutch, and place your hand should be on the gearstick
Certain drivers prefer to travel with their feet resting on the clutch pedal. This forces the release bearing towards the cover of the clutch, which leads to friction that is not needed. Over time, the clutch could wear down prematurely.
It’s also tempting to place your hands on the hand-held gear when you change gears and this can cause pressure to the forks of the selector and other internal parts. The additional friction can cause wear and wear on the gear box.
Try to get into the habit of moving your hands towards the steering wheel while resting your left foot elsewhere in the footwell instead.
17. Make sure you don’t have fuel insufficient.
When you run low on fuel, your fuel pump is going to draw on air, debris and sediments that can be found at the bottom of the tank to attempt to power the car.
The undesirable materials could clog the system and ultimately corrode the pump and filter, potentially blocking fuel and making it impossible for your car to start.
The owners of cars with diesel engines should be particularly cautious of low levels of gas as the injectors that power their engines draw huge amounts from the air system, which can prevent the engine turning over.
Keeping fuel levels high can avoid expensive repair bills further down the line.
18. Don’t scrimp on parts
Manufacturers drive millions of miles and spend billions on research and development to make sure their vehicles are as reliable as they possibly can. Why put their reputation at risk by using low-quality ‘pattern’ parts just to save a few pounds?
Utilizing original parts can reduce your expenses in the long run, because it will keep your car on the road. And when it comes to 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.
Find the recommended oil for your engine in the manual. And, especially if you have a performance car that needs premium fuel (e.g. super unleaded) then use it. This is what the car was created and developed for.