You've made a large investment in your vehicle, so it's important to do everything you can to make it last as long as possible. In this post, we have compiled 7 steps to improve the longevity of your vehicle. Extending the life of your investment can be as simple as having it detailed regularly, checking the pressure of your tires, or getting regular oil changes. Contact us to schedule regular maintenance.
CLICK HERE TO CONTACT US TODAY
Call or Text: 519-748-5533
info@hansmaautomotive.com
"Hansma Automotive provides exceptional customer service every time. They communicate in a clear and friendly manner and then deliver great technical service!" - John
Read more Testimonials
1. Follow Your Vehicle's Recommended Maintenance Schedule
Read your car manual and take note of the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule. Regular maintenance for your cooling system, drive train, suspension and other components will help prevent costly repairs. It will also enable you to take advantage of the manufacturer's full warranty.
2. Keep Your Vehicle Clean
Regular washing and waxing of your vehicle will help to preserve the paint. It also will help protect against rust. And don't forget to clean the interior of your vehicle as well. Vacuuming will help to prolong the life of your carpet and upholstery. You can usually clean your vehicle inside and out in a couple of hours. If you don't have time to detail your own vehicle have the professionals at Hansma Automotive do it for you.
3. Take Care of Your Tires
Your tires will last longer if you keep them properly inflated. Make sure you pay special attention as the seasons change. To prevent uneven or premature wear and tear, have them rotated as specified by the manufacturer and properly aligned. You can get your tires rotated and properly aligned in about 2 hours or less.
4. Make your Brakes Last Longer
Your driving style can affect the longevity of your brakes. If you are in the habit of speeding up and hitting the brakes hard when you need to stop, your brakes will wear down much faster than by timing your stopping, allowing the vehicle to slow down gradually before hitting the brakes. Not only will this style of driving help your brakes to last longer, but it will also cut down on your gas consumption.
5. Change Your Oil Regularly
Having regular oil changes will not only protect your engine but it will also improve your gas mileage. It is recommended that you change your oil every 5000 to 8000 kilometers or every 3 to 6 months. Regular oil changes could help your vehicle to last up to 320,000 kilometers or more. Make sure you change your oil filter at the same time. It's redundant to have clean oil going through a dirty filter and filters are relatively cheap to replace. You can usually get an oil and filter change for around $50 and it can be done in under an hour. Check your owner's manual for your vehicle's specific recommendations.
6. Take Care of your Battery
Your car battery should last your a number of years, however, improper care can greatly decrease its lifespan. Make sure you keep your battery and it connections clean. If they are dirty, you can clean them with a tablespoon of baking soda dissolved in water. Avoid running accessories like your GPS, stereo, etc. for prolonged periods with the engine running. If you don't drive your vehicle for extended periods, you may want to keep it healthy by using a solar battery charger.
7. Windshield Wiper Care
Many people simply use their windshield wipers until they wear out, but there are some simple steps you can take to make them last longer. Once a month you can clean the rubber portion with denatured alcohol (91%). You could also clean them with very fine sandpaper (1000 to 2000 grit). This will keep the rubber flexible to help them adhere tighter to the glass. It is also good to remember that only the rubber portion of the wiper usually needs to be replaced, not the entire blade. Some blades can only be replaced in entirety, so check with an automotive professional to see your options. Replacing your windshield wipers can be done in under an hour.
Hansma Automotive
Bring your vehicle to Hansma Automotive for its regular scheduled maintenance, which can usually be done in an hour or two. The staff at Hansma Automotive is always more than happy to assist you. If you are busy and don't have the time to wait around while your vehicle is repaired, you can take advantage of our handy shuttle service. Hansma Automotive is conveniently located at 88 Shoemaker Street in Kitchener, Ontario.
Sources
7 Ways to Make Your Whole Vehicle Last Longer From Wheels to Wipers
How to Extend the Life of your Car
Top 10 Tips to Maintain your Car
Windshield wiper photo By Wesha (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Car Battery photo By No machine-readable author provided. Shaddack assumed (based on copyright claims). [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.