Cassels Garage

Go the Distance – 5 Tips to Extend the Life of your Car

Published on May 7, 2018
Extend the Life of Your Car

Let’s face it, buying a new car can be extremely expensive. Once you finish making monthly payments, wouldn’t it be nice to extend the life of your car far beyond five or six years? A well-maintained car can last over 15 years and well over 200,000 miles if you keep up with routine maintenance.  Plus, if you keep your car in top shape when you are ready to sell or trade it in for a newer model you will get top dollar.

At Cassels Garage here in Melbourne, FL, we make it our priority to keep your car on the road and running smoothly for a very long time. Here are 5 basic tips to help extend the life of your car.

  1. Change your oil on time: Forgetting to change your oil can cause huge engine problems over time. If you let your oil levels go too low or it gets old and dirty, it can cause friction in your engine and wear it down. Follow the guidelines in your auto owner’s manual for oil changes. It’s typically every 3,000-5,000 miles if your car uses conventional oil and every 7,500-10,000 miles if your car uses synthetic oil. Your auto technician at Cassels Garage can also advise you if it’s time for an oil change.
  2. Replace your air filter: There are a few factors that determine how frequently you should change your air filter. It depends on the make/model of your vehicle, the environmental conditions in where you drive, and the age of your car. Since a dirty air filter can affect the performance of your car you should make it a point to check your air filter and replace it when it looks dirty – in standard driving conditions on newer model cars, you should be good if you change your air filter every 30,000 miles. If you drive on dirt roads, gravel, or other areas with high dust, you may need to replace your air filter every 15,000 miles. A dirty air filter can impact your gas mileage and overall car performance.  If you are not sure what to look for, one of auto mechanics at Cassels Garage can guide you.
  3. Keep all your auto fluids in check: In order to keep your car on the road and running smoothly, you should make sure all these fluids are maintained in your car; transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield wiper fluid.  These fluids affect car performance and not maintaining them can lead to costly damage. When you bring your car into Cassels Garage for a routine oil change, we check all over all your fluids and will let you know if you need something.
  4. Keep your car clean and in the shade: Between the ocean air, heavy rainstorms, and extremely hot sun, Florida is tough on cars. If you keep your car clean, it can help you keep it performing well and minimize damage. Weekly car washes and a fresh coat of wax every 6-8 weeks will not only help to keep your car looking new, it will minimize your risk for rust. In Florida, especially along the coast, everything wants to rust. Also, park your car in the shade or use a shade cover to protect your dashboard. Over time, the sun can cause your dashboard to crack.
  5. Follow up on “small issues” quickly: Is your car pulling to one side when you drive down the road? Does your engine sound louder than normal? Do you hear a hum when you turn on the air conditioner? All these little issues can turn into big problems down the road. If you are maintaining your car at your local mechanic, it will be easier for you to check on these “small issues.” Over time, your local Brevard County mechanic will be familiar with your car and will be able to help you keep your car in top performing shape.
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