Keep Your Car Driving Forward for Years to Come

In a day and age when more people are struggling to make ends meet financially, one way to potentially save money here and there is by hanging on to your car longer.

Sure, older cars can end up costing you money, especially if major parts begin to break down (transmissions, engines, brakes etc.)

That said there are definitely some pros to hanging on to your cars and trucks as long as possible.

So, do you plan on keeping your car (or truck) driving forward for years to come?

Regular Maintenance is the Best Route

In order to keep your car running forward for as many years as possible, make sure you are practicing the following:

• Regular maintenance visits – More importantly than anything else, you need to get your vehicle in to the shop for regular maintenance (see more below). Many drivers use their auto repair manuals to see where their vehicle is along its lifetime. Follow yours closely, looking to see if you’re do for just a simple oil change (these are crucial to extending the life of a vehicle) or something more detailed, such as maintenance intervals of every 30,000 or so miles;
• Safe driving – While everyone has their moments behind the wheel, being a safe driver 99.99 percent of the time is another way to keep your vehicle around for an extended lifetime. When you do hap-hazard things on the road, your vehicle is more prone to getting into accidents, not to mention the wear and tear it puts on it. Driving the speed limit (or not much over it), not hitting the brakes every minute or two because you’re too close to the vehicle/s in front of you, and avoiding dodging in and out of traffic, are all important factors in approximately how long a vehicle will last. The less chances of it being in accidents and/or suffering harsh driving conditions typically extends its life;
• Protecting your vehicle from extreme weather – Whether you live in regions of the country where wintertime weather can be harsh or where summertime temps and conditions can be downright overbearing at times, your vehicle can be susceptible to being run-down too. If at all possible, garage your vehicle (at least in the cold winter months and the overly hot summer months). Winter can be a problem for vehicles, especially those that are exposed to the salt that many road crews apply to keep roads safe during snowy and icy conditions. Meantime, summer can prove challenging too, especially if a vehicle is exposed to constant sun and heat;
• Giving your vehicle some days off – For those individuals who commute long distances to work, your vehicle can take the brunt of those trips, especially when it comes to wear and tear and the gas bills. If you have a notable commute, see about taking mass transportation and/or carpooling with a co-worker or co-workers from time to time. Doing so not only gives you a break from always being behind the wheel, but your vehicle will appreciate the rest too. If you have a shorter commute to work, yet it involves a lot of stop-and-go traffic, the same can be said for looking into using mass transit or car-pooling on occasion;
• Shopping around for the best service – If you have a mechanic/dealership that truly seems to care about its customers, stay with them. On the other hand, you can help preserve the life of your vehicle by finding a mechanic/dealership that has your best interests at heart, not theirs. Doing preventative maintenance is the best way to keep your car driving forward for many years to come. The right mechanics can give you the best recommendations to prolong the life of your vehicle, so listen closely and then make the best decision for you and your vehicle.

Having a vehicle in your possession for many years is a plus on several fronts, especially when it comes to your wallet or purse.

As time goes by, your auto registration will drop in price as the vehicle’s value falls. Given how expensive a new car sticker price can be, hanging on to your older vehicle as long as possible can save you sticker shock.