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Maintaining a vehicle is more than looking after engine and replacing engine oil regularly, the interior as well as the exterior of the car also require due diligence. Here are our top 10 dos and don’ts to extend your vehicles life and preserve its value.

DOs

• Emphasizing on engine’s health is vital, but it should never be at the cost of ignoring other organs of the car.
• Get all lubricants and moving parts checked when you go for routine oil change/ service. It might take a little more time, but it will safeguard you from future unexpected repairs.
• Always use recommended coolant, engine oil, brake oil, gear and steering oil as well as filters and brake pads etc. Deviating from recommended list is never beneficial, even if you spend more on car parts than required.
• Its suggested to go for quality spares from authentic suppliers like co.ukrather than opting new dealers offering parts at dirt cheap prices. Spending on parts shall be considered an investment, not a cost. It will pay you back by extending your vehicle’s life.
• Always keep a record of service history, repairs, parts installed and even of accessories installed in your car. Buyers tend to know that vehicle has been properly taken care of. The new parts you add greatly increase the resale value of the car.
• Do regular cleaning/ wash and waxing of interior as well as exterior of the car.
• Be cautious and plan ahead. Look for online surveys and national accident & recall databases to find out potential parts that can falter or fail. Get them inspected and repaired if required.
• When it comes to resale value, rust and corrosion are your vehicles’ biggest enemies. Regular inspection and waxing are the only plausible and low cost options.

Don’ts

• Never trust calendar when going for oil and filter change; always rely on odometer. Chances are you’ll end up overdriving and exceeding oil change limit if you rely on future date for oil change.
• Avoid parking in direct sunlight. UV rays not only damage vinyl on the dash, causing it to crack, but also affect paint of the car.
• If you are a smoker, try not to indulge in it while driving. Cigarette odorcan’t be extinguished easily and is a major turn off for potential buyers. You’ll have to change seats and mats as well as completely polish the interior to remove the order. But chances are it will still leave its remnants.
• Never ignore vehicle’s manual and the recommended list of parts and fluids. Some automakers also provide manuals and warranty information online.
• Cold starts are stressful for engine, avoid them. They not only wear and tear engine’s moving parts, but also increase fuel consumption.
• Avoid temptation to go on short grocery trips; it puts more pressure on engine, exhaust, and transmission, causing it to age prematurely.
• Don’t be reckless in driving; sharp turns and sudden acceleration or deceleration ruin suspension, tires, steering calipers, and brakes. Plus, you’ll end up spoiling your vehicle’s mileage and spending a lot more on refuels.
• Avoid bumps as much as you can. Over relying on suspension to tackle bumps and holes will destroy tires, steering rods and calipers along with the suspension of your car.