San Diego Auto Repair

A car can be more than just simple transportation – for instance, it’s often the most valuable thing you own! Make sure it stays in tiptop shape to ensure it lasts as long as you need it to. Here are 10 ways to extend the life of your vehicle and keep it going for as long as possible (both mechanically and physically):

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1. Routine Maintenance The number one way to keep your vehicle running smoothly for long periods is to keep up on routine maintenance. Make sure your fluids are all changed when required, including oil, antifreeze, brake fluid, and transmission fluid. Give Convoy Auto Repair a call if you think you might be overdue!
2. Service Intervals Another step in the routine maintenance category is to keep up with your major services. Nearly every vehicle has a major service due at intervals of roughly 30,000 miles that can include spark plug, belt, sensor, fluid, filters, and other wear-and-tear part replacements.
3. Greasing Joints One maintenance job that is often overlooked is to grease the suspension joints on your car. Suspension parts have bushings that degrade over time, but you can increase the lifespan of those rubber parts by making sure they are lubricated at the appropriate intervals for your vehicle.
4. Tire Pressure While you may think this only affects your tires, incorrect tire pressures can also put unnecessary strain on your suspension and steering parts, requiring more frequent alignments, premature wear, and increased fuel consumption.
5. Recalls If your car is relatively new, you are probably already aware of recalls by your dealer. If your car is out of warranty or you purchased it used, you can always check www.recalls.gov to see if you have any outstanding warranty repairs. Plus, recall repairs are usually free!
6. Replacing worn parts Things such as shocks, windshield wipers, support shocks on your hood or rear windows, and floor mats are likely to wear out long before your vehicle does. Replacing them as they wear out can help your car feel like it’s in primo condition from a driver’s perspective.
7. Dent Repair Some people take great pride in the condition of their vehicle’s exterior, while others prioritize its mechanical function. If you’re one of the former and you have a door ding or a scuff on your bumper, having it repaired can renew your love affair with your car.
8. Wheel Repair Same goes here for wheels. Did you know you could get scuffs and scrapes on your wheels repaired? If seeing the scrape from one bad parallel parking job makes you cringe, spending the a few bucks to have the wheel repaired might ease your pain.
9. Wash and Wax If you want your car to look as solid as it runs, wash and wax your paint regularly. Over time, built up debris can damage your clear coat and make your car appear older and in worse shape, and will decrease its value if you ever want to sell or trade it in down the road.
10. Yearly detailing In the same vein as the wash and wax, consider a yearly detail of the inside and outside of your car to keep it clean and cared for. There’s nothing like a carefully cleaned car to make it feel brand new again (or at least new to you!). This is especially important if you smoke in the car or take regular trips to the dog beach - some smells just don't come out easily.