You often hear about people who have their cars for decades while others seem like they are always getting a new car. Is it luck of the draw? Are some cars just made better than others even if they are the exact same make and model?
If you’re under the impression that your car was put together on a Friday — meaning that the technicians on the assembly line were too preoccupied with rushing to get home for the weekend instead of doing their best work — that’s probably invalid.
Jeremy Wolfson who owns Benchmark Auto Services in Minnetonka, Minnesota, says the longevity of your car is usually a direct reflection on how you cared for it. Here are a few easy tips for car care courtesy of Wolfson:
- Keeping your car clean not only makes it look good but it also makes it “healthy.” If you live in an area that salts the road to prevent icy conditions, then get car washes or wash the car yourself. Washing the salt off your car prevents premature rusting, Wolfson says.
- Maintain your windshield wipers. It’s almost impossible to drive when it is raining or snowing and your windshield is full of streaks and stains. Typically, running a clean damp cloth or paper towel along the blade will suffice for keeping it clean. Sometimes though, the blade may rip and need to be replaced. And when that happens, Wolfson says, it always seems that the tear causes smudges right at eye level, making it hard to see the road ahead. For the most part, he adds, taking off the existing wipers and replacing them is pretty simple. And if you follow the directions on the packaging, you should be able to do it yourself.
- Be sure to add the right fluids to your car such as engine oil, antifreeze and washer fluid. (You can do this yourself or get it done by a professional). Adding the fluids isn’t the hard part, Wolfson explains. Before you add anything to your vehicle, make sure that you are using the right type for your car and that you are adding it to the right area. For example, he says, Audis can only use one type of antifreeze. But, your mechanic or owner’s manual should be able to provide you with that information, and once you know which type is right for your car, you should be fine with everything else.
- If you can’t do something, get it taken care of by a mechanic. When it comes to things like replacing brake pads or completing diagnostic work, then it really depends on your skill level, says Wolfson. But, if you aren’t sure that you can handle a repair yourself, then you should probably just leave it to the professionals.
