Keeping your car on the road is good for both the planet (fewer will be junked) and your wallet. “A car is often the second biggest investment a consumer makes, next to a home,” says Patty Kettles of Car Care Canada, a nonprofit consumer-advocacy group. “If you keep your car, you can save a considerable amount of money.” Here are five ways to make your vehicle last: > Keep it clean Your car will hold its value longer. Keep your car sheltered while parked so that it’s protected from the elements. And tend to any chips or scratches quickly: Water can get under the paint and lead to rust. If you don’t have paint on hand, clear nail polish can provide a temporary fix. > Maintain proper tyre pressure Underinflated tyres mean extra rolling resistance, which means your engine has to work harder to move the vehicle. Your car uses more fuel and the tyres wear out faster, too. > Fix your driving habits Pay attention to speed limits, and stop and start gently. “Jerky and aggressive driving increases both fuel consumption and wear and tear on your vehicle,” Kettle warns. > Abide by the user’s manual Follow the maintenance schedule outlined by the car company, such as when to change the oil and filters. And follow product recommen-
dations: “Your car was designed to run on the fuel and oil your manufacturer asks for,” says mechanic Lisa Christensen. > Don’t put off a trip to the mechanic “If there’s a problem with the car and you ignore it, then you can get into bigger trouble,”
Christensen advises. Provide the technician with as many details as you can about the problem and the conditions under which it crops up, she adds: “The more facts you have, the less time the mechanic will waste.”
Extend the Life of Your Car
