Whether you’re having a brand new or a rather old car that you’re emotionally attached to, you probably want to be able to enjoy it for years to come. So if you’re looking for ways to extend the lifetime of your vehicle, keep on reading.

The team at Preserve & Protect shared with us a couple of tips that help keep your car or van in great shape even years after its construction.

Tip #1. Regular Service Check-ups

Taking your car into service once a year may sound unnecessary if you don’t notice anything suspicious. But from our experience, it’s cheaper to prevent than to repair. During a regular check-up, a specialist can spot issues like rust, malfunctioning elements or worn out parts before becoming an emergency or even a threat to your safety.

We recommend you do the same for minor inconveniences, as well. Whether it’s a hum or a thud you hear while driving or a crack in the window, the sooner you solve the problem, the lesser the damage. Additionally, regular maintenance turns out to be more cost-effective in the long run than solving emergencies as they appear.

Tip #2. Rust Treatments

Rust is not only a visually unpleasant picture; it can create real damage to cars. Although the body paint is typically enough to keep the rust at bay, it can’t do so forever. Rust on the body may not affect your car that much. However, it compromises the resistance of the body parts, rendering them more vulnerable in case of an accident.

However, rust to the engine or the electronic system can raise serious safety concerns. For example, suppose the electric panel is affected. In that case, you run the risk of not having fully functional stoplights or brakes. Or imagine not being able to activate the windshield wipers on a rainy evening. Another chance is not having all the icons displayed on your board (if there are other issues with the car, the icon that would typically alert you no longer lightens up).

Tip #3. Fluid Levels Check-up

All cars, regardless of the make and model, have three fluids that need to be at optimal levels at all times:

Motor oil keeps the system lubricated, which prevents overheating, friction, and damage to pistons, valves, and other parts. You need to check it at least once a month for quantity and colour. Not enough oil will render the engine unusable, while too much can cause other types of problems. If it has a dark colour, it needs to be changed entirely. If you’re not sure how to manage motor oil check-ups, refer to your car’s manual.

Brake fluid – this fluid is vital for the safety of all passengers. If there is not enough brake fluid in the reservoir, the braking system will not work correctly, increasing accidents.

Antifreeze – the purpose of antifreeze fluid is threefold: it helps the engine both from freezing and overheating, and it protects the aluminium parts. This means antifreeze levels need to be checked year-round, not only when the weather is cold.

As simple – and maybe obvious – as these tips can be, do not hesitate to implement them. They will definitely extend the life of your car, the safety of your trips, and the memories you will create on the road.