6 Simple Things that Can Help Protect Your Vehicle

It's okay to love your car! You took the time to select the perfect make and model to reflect your tastes, and you may have upgraded it with special car accessories like custom headlights and taillights to help it stand out in a crowd. You've invested time and money in your vehicle, so it's natural for you to want to keep it running smoothly for as long as possible. Many drivers don't realize that the way that they drive can impact the longevity of their vehicles by causing excessive wear and tear on their cars' automotive parts. By following these six tips, you can help to protect your car's auto parts and keep it on the road for as long as possible.

Make fewer short trips.

1. Driving a car exclusively for very short trips is a surefire way to reduce its lifespan. During short trips, the oil in the engine does not become hot enough to turn moisture in the engine into steam. As a result, the oil gradually becomes thick like tar, which can cause damage to the engine. Be sure to take your car on the occasional long trip and consider using public transportation or car-pooling to reduce short trips. Changing the oil more often can also help to minimize the effects of short trip driving.

Start and Stop Less.

2. Making many stops and starts when you're out and about can lead to wear and tear on the engine. When possible, plan to shop at malls and shopping centers where you can make a single stop to accomplish many different tasks or divide your errands between different trips to reduce starts and stops.

Let Your Car Briefly Warm Up.

3. After turning on your car, allow it to run for 30 to 45 seconds, so that the car can begin distributing fluids to the autoparts before you drive.

Break Your Car in Slowly.

4. A brand new car needs some tender loving care to help avoid damage to its automotive parts. Keep your speed and engine RPMs to a minimum while you're racking up those first few miles on the odometer. Avoid freeways and major highways until your car is broken in.

Exercise Care in Bad Weather.

5. You need to be extra cautious when driving conditions are hazardous to protect both the auto parts and yourself! You should always utilize fog-lights instead of high beam headlights when visibility is low. If the roads may be slippery, don't make sharp movements. Even if you feel yourself sliding, you should apply the brakes slowly to avoid skidding. Keep your tires in good condition and properly inflated to ensure safe driving in all types of conditions.

Learn How to Handle an Emergency.

6. Your owner's manual has a special section that provides tips on what to do in different types of emergencies, such as if any of the autoparts would suddenly fail. Take the time to read the procedures and then review them on a regular basis. Handling an emergency properly can go a long way toward keeping you safe and protecting your automotive parts.