Tips To Extend Life Of Your Used Car In India - V3Cars Guide

Befriend The Owner's Manual 

The vehicle owner’s manual should be your best friend! You should read it thoroughly for it has all the details regarding vehicle maintenance. It won't matter if you get the vehicle serviced at an authorised service center or a local garage as long as the maintenance jobs are carried out as per the manufacturer's recommendation. For example, the owner's manual mentions how frequently the engine oil needs to be changed, what engine oil grade should be used, the ideal speed range for each gear, and which part needs to be changed at what interval! Basically, it is the ultimate guide to your vehicle and you should simply follow it to extend the life of your vehicle and extract the best efficiency and performance!

Never Skip A Service 

Yes, it’s true! Prevention is indeed better than cure. In fact, most car troubles happen because the vehicle owner neglected periodic maintenance needs! Never delay changing the engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, air filter, or fuel filter. Always get them changed as per the manufacturer's recommended intervals. If your vehicle gets used regularly in harsh conditions such as Gurgaon where there is a lot of dust, or in Delhi where heat is extreme, or in peak Bengaluru traffic, then you must get these parts replaced at an earlier interval to limit wear and tear. The majority of vehicles can easily cover 1,50,000km without needing major repairs as long as the owner has carried out the required maintenance as per the manufacturer's recommendation. 

Never Neglect Tyre Health

Apart from generating grip, the correct set of tyres plays an important role in reducing noise at cruising speeds and improving ride quality. Tyres, especially ones with a high profile, do a good job at soaking up the road imperfections which reduces the workload and stress on the suspension components and the steering rack. Driving your vehicle on tyres that have less than adequate tread can accelerate suspension wear and tear by allowing more impact to filter through. Also, replacing the suspension and steering rack will be a lot more expensive than a new set of tyres. Always ensure the tyres have adequate tread, are running on the correct air pressure, and are perfectly balanced and aligned. 

Also Read: How To Make Tyres Last Longer? Essential Tyre Care Tips

Warm Up And Cool Down

Mechanical empathy is vital to keep your used vehicle running like new. A good practice is not to drive away your vehicle immediately after starting it. After starting your vehicle, let it idle for around a minute so that the fluids can fully circulate, get warmed up, and lubricate the engine internals. Similarly, avoid switching off the engine immediately after coming to a stop and instead let it idle for about a minute. This practice should be followed if your vehicle runs a turbocharged engine. It ensures adequate cooling and lubrication of the turbocharger along with other engine internal parts and must be done especially if you have driven hard.  

Take It Easy In Harsh Conditions 

At times, the weather conditions tend to get harsh in our country. We all encounter days when the heat, humidity, and rainfall seem to be a bit too much to bear. In such scenarios, just like us, our vehicles also struggle to keep themselves cool. To prevent excessive damage while operating in harsh conditions, we must adopt a 'Take It Easy' policy.

On hot days, roll down the windows first to let the trapped hot air in the cabin escape. This will reduce the stress on the AC compressor making it easier to cool down the cabin. Drive smoothly during rush hour in the summer, as the hot air coupled with crawling speeds increases the chances of the engine overheating. While driving on water-logged roads or patches with a large sheet of water, reduce your speed to prevent water droplets from splashing entering the air filter intake pipe. By reducing the operating stress on our vehicle, we can increase its lifespan and reduce the chances of breakdowns.

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Stick To Good Petrol Stations

Unfortunately, fuel adulteration is more common than what we perceive. Adulterated or bad-quality fuel will cause damage to your vehicle's engine, fuel lines, fuel pump, while reducing its performance, and lifespan resulting in expensive repair bills. It's better to fill up at COCO or Company Owned Company Operated outlets as they are strict about quality checks and following protocols. If there isn't one located near your residence or on your commute route, then you should take the effort to find one that retails good quality fuel. Good fuel is like a good diet, always worth the effort!    

Don't Forget To Keep It Clean 

A dirty car can not only downgrade the ownership experience but also accelerates wear and tear. If you eat and consume aerated drinks in your car, there are chances of food spilling onto the seats and the floor while oily hands could leave a stain. Small bits tend to accumulate in hard-to-reach places creating a foul odor. If the interiors are dusty, then the dirt layer could capture moisture during the monsoon season which could result in the growth of unpleasant molds and fungus. 

A dirty exterior could also damage the paint and accelerate rust formation. Also, if the car isn't cleaned regularly, the water drains could get clogged which during monsoon will become ideal for creating rust spots. Considering all these possibilities, it is ideal to get your vehicle washed and interiors thoroughly at least once a month. Ensure that a clean microfibre cloth is being used since it prevents scratches. 

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Also Read: Post Delivery Checks After Buying A Used Car – A V3Cars Guide