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Protect your vehicle from the inside out and you will help prolong the life of your car. Check these simple vehicle maintenance tips.
(NC)—It's no surprise that consumers are keeping their automobiles for longer periods than before, but according to a study performed by the survey gurus at R. L. Polk & Co., Canadians are keeping their cars on the road longer than ever before– 43% are still on the road today after 15 years, up from 28% in 2000. That's why it's so important to protect the investment in your vehicle, as it can mean the difference between trouble–free driving and costly repairs.
Regardless of the age of your vehicle, a regular oil change is the service most likely to help prolong its life on the road. Be sure to check your vehicle's owner's manual for the recommended oil change intervals based on the conditions under which you typically drive, such as “normal” or “severe service.” Replace the oil filter with every oil change, and use a high–quality motor oil that meets the specifications recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer to help your engine get the protection it needs.
In addition to engine oil, drivers can also help keep their vehicles on the road longer simply by monitoring the other lubricants and fluids in their engine. Check your owner's manual to find information about where fluids are contained, exactly how to check them, the type your vehicle uses and how much should be in each “reservoir.” If you see drops of fluid under your vehicle, you should be able to identify them by color or consistency. A few small drops are probably not a cause for concern, but you should take note of small puddles and consult your mechanic.
Choosing the right fuel for your vehicle can also make the difference between trouble–free driving and costly repairs. Some of the world's top automakers– Audi, BMW, GM, Honda, Toyota and Volkswagen– recognize that current minimum detergent requirements do not go far enough to prevent engine “gunk,” deposits that can harm engine performance. To raise the bar on fuel quality, these auto manufacturers designated the voluntary Top Tier Detergent Gasoline Standard to help drivers avoid the problems that can be associated with using lower–quality gasolines.
“If you look at gunk under a microscope,” explains Ken Mitchell, an Engineer from Shell Canada, “it has a porous surface that traps gasoline, negatively affecting the combustion in your engine over time. One of the easiest ways to prevent this is to choose a high–quality gasoline, like all three grades of Shell gasoline, which contain a Nitrogen Enriched Cleaning system that helps clean and protect your engine from the build–up of gunk.”
No matter how new or old the vehicle, keeping up with regular servicing and choosing the right fuel can help protect your engine and keep your wheels on the road longer. Simple solutions and maintenance to help you protect your vehicle from the inside out and prolong the life of your car.