Tips to Extend Vehicle Life in San Antonio, TX

5 Steps to Make Your Vehicle Last Longer

The team at Red McCombs Hyundai understands that a vehicle is a large investment therefore it must be reliable. Keeping your vehicle in good working order requires more than just routine maintenance– but don’t worry, it isn’t difficult! Follow these five easy steps to hopefully get your vehicle to the 300,000-mile mark:

1. Take a Load Off: Exceeding or pushing your vehicle’s cargo weight limit can cause undue stress to many components, compromising the integrity of the vehicle. It’s better to take an extra trip than to stress out the mechanical and suspension systems.
2. Warm Up: While the cold doesn’t last for very long in Texas, the most damage that can be done to a vehicle occurs when starting the engine in the cold. Immediately starting your vehicle and driving off in frigid weather doesn’t give the engine enough time to warm up, meaning ineffective oil is slugging through the vehicle. allow the engine enough time to warm up so the oil can become more viscous and properly clean the engine components.
3. Hit the Car Wash: One of the easiest ways to elongate your vehicle’s lifespan is by giving it a regular scrub down. Dirt and grim build-up can damage that shiny paint job, and once the paint is compromised, the body is at the mercy of the elements. And, as Texans know, the elements are rarely merciful. By going through the car wash a couple of times a month, you can add more miles to your car.
4. Schedule Oil Changes: Dirty oil is like a clogged artery – not good. When you push the limits of your oil changes, you’re allowing dirt and debris to circulate through your engine, which will eventually lead to an expensive repair. Follow the recommended schedule for oil changes to keep your vehicle’s engine healthy and happy.
5. Double Parking: No, we don’t mean to park your car and then park it again. Once you put your car in park, it’s recommended to also use your parking brake. While you may already do this on steep inclines, get into the habit of using it every time you park – just don’t forget to release it before driving off!

If you’re interested in going the extra mile with your vehicle, follow these five steps. While we cannot guarantee you’ll make it to 300,000 miles, you’ll get a heck of a lot closer by adding these steps to your routine. If you would like any more tips and tricks, give the team at Red McCombs Hyundai a call. We’re always here to help!