Tips to Extend the Life of Your Car

You’ve worked hard, saved diligently, and have now purchased your new car! To help ensure your purchase was money well spent, car care and maintenance are necessary to prolong the life of your vehicle. We’ve put together a few great tips to help you extend the life of your car.

·         Run your car’s A/C in winter

Run the A/C a few times throughout the winter to prevent moving parts in the compressor from seizing. Circulating the refrigerant will also help keep the seals soft and pliant.

·         Patience is key during the break-in period

Typically during the first 1,000 miles, or break-in period- of a new car, car manufactures suggest you keep speeds under 55 miles per hour.

·         Don’t fill up your gas tank while the tanker is at the station

Come back another day or go to a different gas station if you see a gasoline tanker filling the tanks when you need a fill-up. As the tanks are being filled underground, sediment can be stirred up into the gas and can clog fuel filters and fuel injectors, causing poor performance from your vehicle.

·         Clean the inside of the car every time you clean the outside

Particles of dirt are abrasive and liquid spills, such as soda, can be corrosive. Vacuum and sponge interior surfaces clean every time the outside of your car gets a bath.

·         Take excess weight off your keychain

 The weight several objects on your keychain, combined with bouncing while you drive, can wear out the tumblers inside the ignition and may eventually lead to ignition switch failure. To help ensure your ignition switch works properly, shed some weight off your keychain.