Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Get The Most Out Of Your Vehicle

With vehicles staying on the road longer than ever, these helpful tips will help you to get the most out of your vehicle and keep your ride going for long.

People spend many more hours in vehicles travelling to and from work etc etc. As the amount of time a vehicle stays on the road increases, so does the amount of maintenance required to keep it running.

There are ways to increase your car's longevity. Three of the most important areas to maintain are your engine, your tires and the exterior of your vehicle.

Motor oil is the lifeblood of an engine as it lubricates vital engine parts. It is imperative to utilize a durable motor oil that can stand up to the constant stress of everyday driving. Regular level checks and timely change of engine oil is perhaps the most essential maintenance task drivers can perform.

Another very important, and often neglected, maintenance area in your vehicle are the tires. Checking air pressure regularly and wheel alignment are major contributing factors to keep your car on the road longer. When temperatures rise, the air inside the tire expands. This can mean you are driving on overinflated tires - ultimately resulting in premature tread wear. Underinflated tires too will result uneven tread wear and gives less gas mileage per-liter, not to mention the effects in handling and stopping power. Improper or neglected maintenance of tires and wheels can cause extensive damage and lead to pricey repairs.

While some tips may help keep a vehicle running smoothly, it is also important to protect the exterior of the vehicle. More than one-third of car owners use non-automotive products when washing their cars, which can cause considerable damage to paint, plastics and chrome parts. Washing and polishing a car with quality cleaners and waxes goes a long way toward protecting the vehicle’s exterior.

Following these tips and performing regular maintenance under-the-hood having regular tune-ups are critical steps in helping to extend the life of any vehicle. Good Luck!