collaborative post
Miles on the clock is one of the key measures of how much life a car has left in it. But even vehicles with over 150,000 miles can continue to serve reliably. Whether you’ve got a relatively new car and want to protect your investment, or you’re trying to get every last bit of life out of an old banger, here’s what you can do.
Carry out regular servicing and maintenance
With cars of all ages, maintenance and servicing are vital to keep everything in good working order. It’s not just about protecting the inner workings but keeping you and your passengers safe on the road.
Every car should come with a manufacturer-recommended service schedule – follow this if you can. Professional servicing at least once a year is ideal to ensure there are no developing faults. Doing this with a specialist is best – for example, getting a Peugeot service if you have one. But carrying out DIY maintenance alongside is just as key.
Check fluid levels such as engine oil, coolant and windscreen wash yourself. Low or contaminated fluid levels can cause significant damage to internal systems. Skipping servicing and maintenance may save you time and money in the short term, but it’s likely to cause more serious and costly issues down the line.
Use quality parts
If you are making repairs to your vehicle, ensure you or the garage doing the work is using quality replacement parts. Again, buying cheap always sounds appealing, but it may come back to bite you and end up costing you more in the long-term.
Genuine, manufacturer-recommended or original equipment (OE) parts are best, especially for more valuable vehicles. They should ensure the car runs as efficiently and reliably as possible moving forward.
Check your driving habits
The way you drive can determine how long your car will eventually last. Hard braking, rapid acceleration and inaccurate gear changes can wear down parts and components because of their aggressive nature.
Instead, drive smoothly to reduce the strain on your engine, gearbox, tyres and brakes. Anticipate the road ahead to give yourself more time when braking and accelerating. Driving more carefully can also boost your fuel efficiency and save you money.
Wash the body and underside
The exterior of your car may seem more superficial than anything, but it too has an impact on longevity. Dirt, grime and salts can accumulate on the underside and bodywork, leading to rust and corrosion.
Wash your car regularly, particularly in winter when road salts are used, to mitigate the UK’s challenging climate. Don’t neglect the interior either – dirt can clog up buttons, air vents and other controls, limiting their functionality over time.
With these simple tips, you should be able to make your car last longer. That’s sure to be good news for your bank balance!