Driving a car is a significant investment, and with the right levels of care and interviewyou can enjoy years of reliable performance while saving on costly repairs.

Whether your car is new or a few years old, following a few basic maintenance practices can make a real difference, saving you money and reducing the risk of breakdowns and delays on the road. road.

If you are renting a car, it is also essential that the vehicle is maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions for the duration of any contract.

Here are some essential tips to extend the life of your car and keep it running smoothly.

1: Stick to a regular service schedule

Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to protect your car’s performance while increasing its longevity, especially by essence and diesel vehicles. Routine checks and replacement of parts such as oil and air filters can help keep the engine in tip-top condition and prevent dirt from building up inside the car’s mechanical components.

While electric vehicles (EV) If you don’t have to worry about engines, there are still checks on systems such as brakes, coolant and software that need to be carried out regularly.

Always follow your manufacturer’s recommended service intervals, which will be detailed in the car’s manual: these tend to be around every 12,000 miles, or once a year, but can vary depending on the model. Most newer cars will have a feature on the dashboard that alerts you when maintenance is due. A consistent maintenance history not only keeps your car in tip-top condition, but also increases its resale value.

2: Use quality engine oil

In a gasoline or diesel car, engine oil lubricates the moving parts of the engine, reducing friction and preventing overheating. But not all oils are equal: it’s essential to use the right oil, as the wrong type can put strain on the engine. Check your car’s manual for the recommended oil type and have the oil changed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. It’s a simple job and is a simple way to protect your engine from wear and tear.

3: Check your tire pressure

Tires are the only part of your car in contact with the road, and if they are overinflated or underinflated, they can have a significant effect on your car’s handling, fuel efficiency, and overall performance. Check your tire pressure at least once a month and make sure they match the manufacturer’s recommendations, which can be found in the car’s manual or printed on the car’s body – often just inside door or inside the fuel tank cap.

Properly inflated tires not only help your car handle better, but they also reduce wear and extend the life of the tires themselves.

4: Check your fluids

Oil isn’t the only fluid in a car that needs monitoring, and even electric cars contain important fluids. In electric vehicles, battery coolant helps regulate temperature, especially in extreme weather conditions or in scenarios where the car is particularly stressed, such as in traffic jams. All cars use brake fluid and power steering fluid, which should be checked regularly to ensure they are at the correct level – a drop in the fluid level could lead to a leak, which could lead to costly problems .

5: Protect your battery

All cars have a battery, in one way or another, and it’s important to make sure it’s healthy. In gasoline and diesel cars, the battery starts the engine and operates auxiliary systems, while in electric vehicles, the battery is essential for performance and range. In gasoline and diesel cars, check the battery regularly for corrosion and loose connections. Electric vehicle owners should avoid letting the battery drain completely, as this could reduce its long-term efficiency. It’s also worth parking electric vehicles in cool, shaded areas where possible, as high temperatures can fatigue the battery over time.

6: Avoid short trips (if you can)

Short journeys put extra strain on petrol and diesel engines, as they prevent them from reaching optimal operating temperatures. For example, when engine oil is not up to temperature, it is less effective in reducing component wear. This is less of a problem in electric vehicles, but when possible, combine short trips into a single trip to improve the car’s efficiency.

7: Drive smoothly

Aggressive driving puts excessive strain on a car’s components, regardless of the power source. Keep your ride smooth and you’ll reduce the strain on motors, batteries, braking systems and tires, which usually means they’ll last longer too. Consider removing excess weight from the car: Removing all the junk you have accumulated in the trunk means less load for the car to carry, reducing wear and tear on the suspension and brakes. In electric vehicles, heavy loads can reduce battery life.

8: Keep your car clean

Keeping your car sparkling isn’t just an aesthetic thing, it helps extend the life of the vehicle. Cars are more prone to rust and corrosion when they are dirty, and keeping them clean removes salt and dirt, especially in winter. It’s also a good idea to protect the underside of the car with rust preventative products, as the undercarriage is most vulnerable to road salt and other debris.

9: Keep an eye (and ear) on the brakes

We shouldn’t need to explain that brakes are important. Electric vehicles and petrol and diesel cars rely heavily on the braking system, and although the strain on electrical systems is often less, thanks to the regenerative braking power provided by the electric motor, it is still important to check the braking system. wear of pads and discs. . At best, worn components can reduce braking performance and, at worst, cause a collision. If you notice squealing, squealing, or decreased braking power, have it checked.

10: Don’t ignore any problem

Dashboard lights, unusual sounds, vibrations, or changes in performance can all indicate a problem in any type of car. Don’t ignore them: even though they are relatively minor, they can quickly escalate into much more serious (and costly) problems. Have any new problems with your car investigated promptly, to reduce potential strain on your wallet and your safety.

11: Consider a maintenance plan

A maintenance plan can help make maintaining your car easier, especially if you lease your vehicle. Select car rental offers maintenance packages for a small additional fee, covering routine maintenance, repairs and all normal wear and tear replacement parts, such as brake components, batteries, exhausts, tires and more. You can find more information on their interview packages here.

Car Maintenance FAQs

How often should I change my car’s oil? If you own an electric car, rest assured: your car does not need to change oil. For petrol and diesel cars, it should be changed regularly, according to your model manufacturer’s instructions. Check the car manual for details.

How do I know if my car battery needs to be replaced? Both petrol and diesel cars will show signs of battery problems due to slow engine starting or dim headlights. Electric vehicle batteries may show reduced range over time and regular checks are recommended for their performance. If you see signs of this, consult a mechanic.

What are the warning signs of a braking problem? Squealing or grinding noises when braking, vibration through the pedal, or a soft feeling under the foot can all indicate problems with the braking system. If in doubt, have them inspected.

What pressure should my tires have? Recommended tire pressures vary depending on the car and its use. Check your car’s manual or online for manufacturer recommendations, and be sure to check your tire pressure at least once a month.

Why is my check engine light on and what should I do? A car’s “check engine” light can mean various problems on both gasoline and diesel cars. The best solution is to have the problem examined by a mechanic as quickly as possible; they will be able to plug in a diagnostic device and find out the cause of the light coming on.

What is engine coolant? Engine coolant is a liquid used to regulate temperature in gasoline and diesel cars. A similar cooling system is used in electric vehicles to regulate battery temperature. Maintaining correct coolant levels is essential to avoid overheating, which can cause serious damage to the car.

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