Thursday, January 12, 2012

Five Tips to Extend the Life of Your Car

Did you know that 68% of drivers say they plan on driving their car 150,000 miles or more? We at Broadway Ford have some tips to help keep your vehicle running well into it's golden years.

1 - Keep up with the manufacturers recommended oil changes...every 3000 to 5000 miles. You should check your owners manual for what is recommended for your vehicle. Higher mileage vehicles need service more than ever!


2 - Take your commutes a little slower. The difference between driving 50mph and 70mph means your car is working twice as hard. Driving just a little bit slower will improve your gas mileage, reduce wear on your brakes from slowing and stopping, and prolong the life of your engine.


3- Take care of you tires. Keep them rotated, inflated and properly maintained. Properly inflation improves gas mileage and means less work for an aging engine. Be sure to prolong the life of your tires by having them rotated and balanced every other oil change.


4 - If your vehicle is equipped with a timing belt, you'll want to replace it at the recommended time (60,000 miles for most vehicles, refer to your owner manual). An aging timing belt can cause serious damage to your engine. 


5- Don't neglect the outside of your car. Washing and waxing don't just preserve your shining finish, they also help keep your vehicle from rusting. That is good for everything under the surface too!


Follow these five simple steps and you and your car could spend many happy miles together!