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4 Smart Tips For Making Your Vehicle Last

Because the prices of new cars has climbed steeply over the last decade, people are more willing to keep their older models. As long as they can keep running without requiring major repairs (for example, a transmission overhaul), it’s far easier on the budget. And therein lies the challenge.

Your vehicle will eventually die and need to be retired. There’s little you can do to prevent that from happening aside from pouring money into an ongoing string of expensive repairs. However, there are some smart things you can do that will prolong your car’s life. The following four items are simple and intuitive, yet millions of drivers fail to do them:

#1 – Follow Your Owner’s Manual Closely

Strangely, many people have never looked at their owner’s manual, even though it holds the secret to your car’s life. It contains a service schedule (this might be a separate booklet) that details every important maintenance item. It explains exactly when those items should be performed. From oil changes to air filter checks, and spark plug replacements to your ignition system, everything is listed in your service schedule. The key is to use it.

#2 – Be Gentle When You Start It

When your car sits for hours, the oil that circulates throughout the engine falls to the oil pan. Without that oil, your engine would overheat. When you start your vehicle, the engine roars to life, but it takes several seconds for the oil to move from the pan to the moving parts. Have you ever watched someone start their car and immediately floor it? That’s a good way to damage the engine. Be gentle. Crank the engine and let it idle for twenty or thirty seconds before throwing it into gear. You won’t notice the benefits, but over time, it will make a difference.

#3 – Check The Fluid Levels

Your oil, coolant, power steering, and transmission fluid levels can decline over time. It is critical that you keep all of them replenished. Most drivers neglect to check their levels because it’s inconvenient to do so. Get into the biweekly habit of checking all four fluids at once. It only takes 15 minutes and will help you avoid expensive repairs down the road.

#4 – Drive Easily

If you own a performance vehicle, you’re probably going to treat the engine harshly. Chances are, you spent a good sum of money and you want to enjoy the benefits. Fair enough. On the other hand, if you own a Toyota Camry, Dodge Charger, or a Honda Civic, you’re likely budget-conscious. So, drive gently. There’s rarely a need to drop the clutch and peel your wheels at 6,000 rpms. Besides, constantly doing so will land your vehicle in the repair shop far sooner than otherwise.

Your car won’t last forever. But, if you address key maintenance items, regularly check the fluids, and treat it gently (at start-up and while driving), you’ll prolong its life. And avoiding expensive repairs is nearly as good as money in the bank.

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Auto Safety Technology Takes Another Leap Forward

Car manufacturers realize that the success of their brands depends not only upon the reliability of their vehicles, but also upon the features they offer. Some options, such as heated seats and iPod docks, are designed to provide a more comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. Other options are focused on keeping drivers, passengers, and pedestrians safe. Rear view cameras, airbags, and anti-lock brakes are good examples.

Automakers continue to design safety technologies that all but guarantee their drivers will remain safe behind the wheel. To that end, new features have debuted over the last twelve months that will likely become available in a growing number of models. We’ll describe a few of them below.

Advanced Night Vision

Automobiles have been equipped with night vision for years. This option allows motorists to see more clearly when street lamps are scarce and headlights are unable to illuminate long stretches of the road in front of them. One of the limitations of early night vision technology was that it couldn’t detect pedestrians well. BMW recently introduced an advanced version of the feature. Not only does it help drivers see more clearly, but it can detect pedestrians and identify the direction in which they’re moving. If the system identifies a possible collision, an alert is delivered to the driver.

Comprehensive Camera Views

Rear view cameras have become popular in SUVs and other large-capacity vehicles because they help eliminate rear blind spots. Automakers (BMW is one of them) have slowly begun to install additional cameras into their fleets to increase the viewing area. Currently, most vehicles equipped with supplemental monitors let motorists observe the rear blind spot as well as the sides. Infiniti has recently released a feature that offers a comprehensive view around the entire vehicle.

Infrared Sensors

Preventing fender benders and other traffic collision remains a high priority for car manufacturers. As streets and highways across the country become more congested, there is a greater likelihood of being involved in an accident. Automakers have designed a number of features that help drivers avoid collisions. The latest technology that is being installed into high-end models uses infrared sensors.

The infrared sensors monitor the proximity of the vehicles ahead of the driver. If the sensors determine that the motorist is traveling too quickly, and a collision is probable at that speed, the system engages the brakes. This feature is currently limited to low speeds (under 25 mph), but will likely encompass higher speeds as the technology evolves.

We’re driving at faster speeds than ever while enjoying a larger menu of options that help make the driving experience more enjoyable. These two factors combine to increase the safety risk while we’re on the road. This is the reason automakers devote a significant amount of resources to designing features that are more capable of protecting drivers and passengers.

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An Introduction To Upgrading Your Car’s Lights

Without headlights, we’d be forced to limit our driving to the daytime hours. Luckily, the lamps which sit in the front of our vehicles allow us to safely drive (even if at slower speeds) when it’s dark. However, many cars, trucks, and SUVs are equipped with a set of lights that perform their basic job, but little else. Upgrading them offers a host of benefits.

For some, driving is limited to city streets; streetlights offer sufficient lighting which provides reasonable safety. Other motorists enjoy going off-road where streetlights are all but nonexistent. Still others enjoy having the flexibility to add special headlights to their vehicles to match their personal style. Below, we’ll explore each of these reasons for upgrading your car’s lights.

Investing In An Upgrade

Automakers install lighting systems on their fleets that are designed to look attractive. That said, their priority is equipping their vehicles with the parts their customers expect; aesthetics come second. You may have noticed over the years how headlights seem homogeneous across different makes and models – even across different car manufacturers. That alone is proof that little thought goes into designing an appealing lighting system.

You can buy OEM replacements or opt for something with more flair. The type and style of the replacement will depend on the make and model you’re driving. Some automakers have begun to offer multiple options for buyers who want to upgrade on the dealership lot.

Driving Outside The Norm

If you’re only making a quick trip to the grocery store, you obviously won’t need special lights installed on your vehicle. However, if you enjoy taking your truck or SUV camping or off-road, special headlights are valuable. Without them, you might find yourself stranded with your vehicle stuck in an unexpected ravine or ditch – or worse, with a damaged axle.

If you enjoy a rougher drive, consider purchasing special off-road headlights to guide your way. The mounting, size, and material (i.e. plastic, aluminum, or steel) you choose will depend on your rig.

Preparing For The Unpredictable

Even in areas that enjoy a generous number of streetlights, dense fog can settle in unexpectedly and make driving dangerous. Most people instinctively turn their high-beams on, but that can often further reduce your visibility and cause more trouble. Auxiliary lights are designed to help you drive through inclement weather, including heavy rain or pea soup fog. While they add a flair of personal style, their main priority is to improve your safety behind the wheel.

A lot of motorists never think to upgrade the lights on their vehicles. Even though we install spoilers, billet grilles, roof racks, and deflectors, headlights somehow escape our notice. But, the right set of lights can make a safe, stylish addition to any car, truck, or SUV.

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