Simple Ways to Extend the Life of Your Vehicle

When it comes to your vehicle's longevity, it's not just about routine maintenance. Ensuring your vehicle lasts also depends on proactive care and smart driving habits.

To help extend the life of your vehicle, Berglund Toyota has put together a guide. With these expert tips, you will learn everything from minimizing acceleration to correctly using the parking brake. We will also discuss driving habits and common driving situations.

Need help with auto maintenance and servicing? You can trust the expert mechanics at our auto service center in Lynchburg, VA. Whether you need routine maintenance, a tune-up, or a repair service, we can help.

How to Keep Your Car Running Longer

Regular maintenance is extremely important, but your habits play a significant role in how long your vehicle will last. The way you drive in different conditions is crucial to maximizing fuel efficiency and extending the life of your car.

Be A Responsible Driver

When you speed, brake hard, and accelerate suddenly, it causes excessive wear to the brakes, tires, and engine. Driving smoothly will extend the life of your car's components, save you money, and keep you safe.

Don't accelerate too quickly, as it makes the engine and transmission work harder, increasing wear and tear. Likewise, you should drive within reasonable speed limits. In addition to burning fuel at an alarming rate, fast driving puts undue strain on the engine, tires, and transmission.

Maintain Your Vehicle Regularly

Ensure you follow the owner's manual for maintenance instructions so you perform oil changes, brake repairs, filter replacements, and tire rotations on time. Regular maintenance keeps your car in good shape.

Always check the tires, especially before going on long trips. Make sure you inflate your tires properly to prevent uneven wear. Check the tread depth as well. Additionally, ensure that the vehicle's lights are working. You don't want to drive with busted headlights or turn signals during low-visibility conditions.

Replace filters and top up vehicle fluids when necessary. Clogged filters make the engine work harder and may cause overheating. Likewise, driving with low engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, or power steering fluid is dangerous and may cause premature engine damage.

Do Not Overload Your Vehicle

Exceeding your vehicle's payload or towing capacity can put a lot of stress on its engine, braking system, and suspension. Fuel efficiency decreases as more weight is carried, which causes your engine to work harder. Furthermore, the suspension system is likely to put more pressure on your brakes, leading to premature wear and tear. Ensure optimal performance by reviewing the vehicle's specifications before packing or loading cargo.

Engage Your Parking Brake

Parking brakes reduce transmission strain on steep incline drives. Prevent premature wear on the car's drivetrain components by using the parking brake when necessary.

Keep Your Vehicle Clean

Keeping your car clean and waxed regularly will prevent rust and corrosion, particularly in areas that are exposed to salt and debris on the road. In addition, make sure the gas tank is full, the oil is clean, and the undercarriage is protected before putting your car in storage.

Cut Down on Short Trips

Frequently running the engine at low temperatures can damage the oil and other components. Therefore, short-distance driving requires more frequent oil changes. Combining errands and driving longer in one trip increases engine efficiency and reduces wear and tear.

Professional Auto Service in Lynchburg, VA, from Berglund Toyota

The Berglund Toyota team in Lynchburg, VA, has the expertise and resources to help you care for your vehicle. Whether you need routine maintenance or major repairs, you can count on us for exceptional service. Schedule an appointment today and enjoy peace of mind, knowing your vehicle is well maintained.