I’m a car expert – drivers can make an easy change to make vehicle last longer

GETTING a car regularly serviced is one sure way to prolong its life but there’s something even simpler that also helps – regular washing.

Not only does make your motor look better and prevent people writing ‘wash me’ on it but regular cleaning is good for its health.

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In fact experts say it’s a common mistake by car owners to think that cleaning is all about appearances.

According to the rxmechanic expert blogger, regular cleaning can help prevent rust.

“This may sound very simple, but washing your car regularly will help prevent rust in the long run,” he writes.

“Regardless of your preferred method, always wash your cars regularly. As simple as it may sound, it could be all you need to prevent car rust.

He explains that “dirt does not cause rust directly” but harms the coating that prevents it.

“It only damages the protective layer of the clear coating on the car, exposing it to rust,” he said.

“So, if you were asking, does washing a car prevent rust, you now know the answer.”

Not only is it important to clean parts you can see but also the underside, where salt from the winter can accumulate.

“Salt makes metal vulnerable and susceptible to rust,” says rxmechanic.

“Again, most car owners travel on road salts more often during cold winter to remove snow and ice on their baby rides.

“Salt can accumulate on the car undercarriage and degrade the metal components, leading to rust.

“So, rinsing this part will also help prevent rust.”

He goes on to say that waxing your car is also the “one of the best and most affordable ways to prevent car rust”.

There are other common mistakes that drivers make which also damage their cars without knowing it.

They include keeping your hand on the gearstick, which puts pressure on gearbox components.

Overloading your car can also cause long term damage to your car.

Steering becomes less responsive, the braking distance is increased, there’s increased wear on the tires and overload can even increase the chances of rolling the vehicle.