In the ‘good old days’, luxury cars were considered to have better build quality and that meant that they were perceived to be more reliable. While durability and reliability are linked, when it comes to evaluating modern cars, they are treated as separate tests.
Reliability is all about how well a car works before the parts fail, and durability is about the life of the vehicle and how long it lasts before the performance degrades.
In modern cars, getting to 200,000 miles is seen as the benchmark of durability, but there have been some that have reached a million miles on the odometer before giving up the ghost – and when you have spent thousands on a vehicle you want it to last.
Cars and other motor vehicles can be both reliable and durable – while you might not be able to change how reliable your vehicle is, you can have a positive impact on durability with just a bit of thought. It will not only make your vehicle live longer but it may also be more cost efficient in the long run, as damage will occur less frequently due to the condition you keep your car in.
So, how do you achieve a more durable vehicle?
Wash Your Car
Dirt build-up on your vehicle is not only an eyesore, but it can also damage the body of your vehicle. If the paint job deteriorates through environmental damage like salt on the roads, pollen, and pollutants, then the bodywork is at risk from corrosion and rust.
Once rust takes hold it is hard to get rid of it, so taking the time to wash your car (at least once a month) is worth the effort. New cars usually have better rust-proofing materials than older ones however, it depends on your upkeep of the car. A few things to look out for while washing your car is damage to the body of the car; Any scrapes or little dents can progress into further damage, or look out for bubbles under the paint, as water and air can get into this space and most definitely begin the process of rusting. It is also important to note that any damage you have had repaired may be of concern so keep an eye on that area.
It is essential to keep it cleaned in the different seasonal months too. It may cold in winter, and you might not make it your priority, but salt will have a chemical reaction which will begin to corrode your car. This will not only impact the paint work and body, but it will impact the wear and tear of your brake pads (which are a necessity in winter.)
It may also begin to corrode your fuel pipes. Check for a fuel leak will be an important step in your cars maintenance as it will not only affect the performance of your car but can also be a danger to anyone around the car.
Keep an Eye on Your Tires
Tires are probably the most important part of your car except for the engine – they are the contact point between the vehicle and the road, and the tires can have an impact on ride comfort, handling, and safety.
Tire pressure is something that you regularly need to check as this can impact your cars performance massively due to the distribution of weight. If your car’s tire pressure is uneven it can even impact the durability of your tires as the side with the most weight, will wear faster. Another issue can be the loss of traction especially if the wheel is over-inflated. This will increase your chances of damaging your vehicle as it increases your risk of losing control of the car, which can lead to crashing.
Wear of tire tread is natural, and the wear pattern can tell you if there are other problems with your car – whether it’s uneven tread due to incorrectly inflated tires or even suspension issues.
If your tires are not right, it has an impact on the structural integrity of the vehicle, which is why choosing a premium brand of all-terrain tires is essential. You can buy Dick Cepek tires, they are designed to be durable.
Read the Manual
The helpful booklet that the dealer showed you when you bought your car has some really important details that are worth knowing. Not only will you know exactly what the lights on the dashboard are (and how to connect your phone to the Bluetooth system).
The manual will specify things like the preferred maintenance schedule for your vehicle – and it is important that you follow it. Book services according to the schedule and include routine changes to fluids as directed.
The best way to maintain your car for the long run is to know it inside and out. Not only will this make you a better driver, it will make you a safer one also as you know how to use the car you have correctly as they are not all designed the same way anymore. This manual can also tell you what works best with for your car i.e. The types of fluid it works best with.
Check Your Fluids
There are several fluids that are integral to the proper operation of the engine, and these need to have the right levels maintained. Check the following fluids regularly:
- Coolant/antifreeze
- Transmission fluid
- Power steering fluid
- Brake fluid
- Oil
- Washer fluid
Some people check every time they refuel, while others might make the checks before they go on a long journey. Finding a leak early can make sure that your engine and the other mechanisms work properly. Even down to the washer fluid, it is important not to ignore it at low levels as it is highly important in your car’s usability in certain conditions.
But remember especially in the summer months, that it is more likely to be condensation dripping from your air conditioning system, due to your use of the AC than it is for you to have an oil leak but, you can never be too careful.
Don’t Ignore the Niggles
We have all heard a new noise, whether it is a bang or a rattle, and though ‘I better get that checked’… but sometimes that might be pushed back in importance, much like when the check engine light comes on and the car seems to be working as usual so you ignore it.
Knowing the importance of checking minor issues can be cost efficient in the long run as a small issue can not only get worse itself, but it can also impact other components that will then begin to wear. Even if the engine light is only flashing, signally an issue has been detected, do not ignore it.
If you make the effort to get your car serviced regularly, this will help avoid these niggles becoming big problems. However, if a light comes on or you notice that something is not right in your car – whether it is in the way it is driving or a new noise – then getting it checked immediately could save you from costly problems down the line.
