I’m a car expert – here’s how to keep your car running for longer

A CAR expert has revealed how to prolong the life of your current car.

With second-hand car prices continuing to rise, many drivers are planning on keeping their current car for longer than usual.

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According to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), in 2022, the average car in the UK was ten years old, an increase of 1.6 years compared to 2020 figures, the Daily Express reports.

Although keeping a car for a longer amount of time can save a driver money at the dealership, if it’s not maintained, it could cost you thousands of pounds at the garage.

Handily, car experts at LeaseLoco have provided a few recommendations to extend the lifespan of your vehicle.

Choose a good mechanic

A good mechanic is worth their weight in gold.

Not only will they help you get better fuel economy and be able to analyse your driving habits, but they’ll also help you to stick to your maintenance schedule.

Remember, it’s a free market, so shop around and find one who knows their stuff.

Stick to routine services

Servicing your car on an annual basis, or at the very least at each recommended maintenance schedule, is paramount to increasing the lifespan of your car.

Routine maintenance, tune-ups, tire rotations, the changing of brake pads and other checks can help prevent surprises by stopping problems before they become too serious.

Keep your engine clean

Over the course of time, it’s possible that the engine could become contaminated by dirt and other pollutants whilst your vehicle is running.

This could affect the vehicle’s engine temperature and cause damage to the system, reducing lifespan.

To help prevent this, get in touch with your mechanic and find a good fuel pump cleaning agent that will fix any problems which may occur, ideally at least once a year. 

Address the little things

Whenever you notice an odd smell, sound or sensation in your vehicle, don’t ignore it and brush it under the carpet.

Seek professional advice from your mechanic or manufacturer to get to the root cause and potentially get the issue fixed before it becomes a major problem in the future. 

After a lot of time spent in the driver’s seat, you know the way your car is supposed to feel better than anyone.

If something sounds or feels different than usual, act as fast as you can. 

This comes after a car expert revealed four checks you can do at home if your air-con doesn’t cold enough.

Plus, a car expert claims that drivers can make an easy change to make their vehicles last longer.