![]() While you’re under the hood, check the radiator fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid and brake fluid. You’ll want to check that you have enough motor oil, and top it off if it needs to be filled (or get an oil change). Keeping your fluids filled up can help keep your car running well and extend the life of it, said Nocera. If you have the time to take a less congested scenic route, give it a go once in a while. It also wears down brakes faster, can clog filters and reduce the car’s fuel economy - all of which add up to more money spent on your car in the long run. But frequently putting your car through stop-and-go traffic is going to wear down some parts of your engine faster than someone who drives the same car and isn’t subjecting their car to idling. Bombing up or down the mountains will cause engine, transmission and brake temperatures to exceed normal operating ranges, chopping significant life off of your vehicle’s lifespan.” Avoid Traffic When You CanĪvoiding traffic is easier said than done. The life of your transmission is cut in half for every 10 degrees above normal operating temperatures. “Aggressive driving increases the heat in the engine, transmission, brakes, tires, etc. “Driving style is directly related to how long and how reliably your vehicle will last,” said Sargent. ![]() By running the codes, you’ll learn more about any issues and whether they’re easy to fix at home or require help of a professional. You’ll install it under the steering wheel and turn the key in the ignition to the on position but not run. Follow the directions on each manufacturer’s device. This little device can save you the headache of going to the shop and spending $200 for something that’s easy to fix. There are ones you can buy for around $50 that will tell you exactly what the code means but you can get this cheaper version and search online for the code readout’s meaning. “It can let you know if there’s a loose gas cap or loose hose,” Nocera said. This can help determine the cause of the “check engine” light coming on by reading out codes. Nocera recommended the ANCEL AD310 Universal OBD II Scanner. Hooking this $25 device up to your car can save you money by identifying problems and reading out codes. That could be the faint noise you hear, a slightly underinflated tire or a subtle tug to the left or right of the wheel that’s often ignored because it doesn’t seem to be major enough to take in for service. Check the label for directions as to when you shoud add it to the tank and how many gallons should be in reserve.ĭon’t ignore minor issues, as they will always lead to bigger and more expensive problems, Sargent said. It’ll help you get better gas mileage, better fuel economy and improve power by removing harmful carbon deposits that form on critical engine parts, said Nocera. Use Fuel Tank CleanerĪdding this to your gas tank can extend the life of your car and improve gas mileage. ![]() It’s suggested you replace air filters every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. Make sure you’re getting the one that’s recommended for your make and model car. Most replacement air filters cost between $20 and $75. Doing so can help keep the spark plugs running optimally and make sure your car is getting the right amount of air flowing into the engine. See if your car’s air filter needs to be replaced, suggested Nocera. For newer cars, you’re supposed to only use synthetic.” Buy Brand Gasoline When Possibleįilling your car with branded fuel rather than the cheapest gas from any gas station will ensure that the proper detergents/additives are present to help protect the seals, injectors and valves, said Steve Sargent, owner of Milex/Mr. It’s better than regular oil because it gets into certain spots that regular oil can’t get into. “Synthetic oil will break down differently than regular oil,” he said. One area where it’s worth it to spend a little more money is to get an oil change with synthetic oil, suggests Mike Nocera, owner of Long Island Mobile Mechanic in Huntington, NY. Here are some simple ways to keep your car good running condition by maintaining it and spending a little money here and there so you don’t get stuck with some of the most expensive car repairs. I’m a Mechanic: Here Are the 6 Best Luxury Cars I Recommend Rachel Cruze: 10 Used Cars Under $10K That Are Worth Buying Maintaining your car can extend its life and help prevent major repairs that will cost you a fortune in the shop. You take your vitamins, eat well, exercise and wash your hands to prevent getting sick and going to the doctor’s office, and you should take the same preventative steps with your car.
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