How to Make Your Car or Truck Last Longer

Step 1: Make sure to change the oil on a regular basis.
All too many owners neglect to maintain their vehicles properly.  Probably the most important thing that you can do for your car or truck is to change its oil on a regular basis.  Generally speaking, one should change their vehicle's oil every three months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first.  Some vehicles that use synthetic oil can go longer than this.  Be sure to check your vehicle's owner's manual for your model's suggested maintenance intervals.  While you are changing the oil, you might as well change the oil filter as well.

Step 2: Check your vehicle's air filter.
Even if you are not incredibly handy, one can perform a lot of simple maintenance on their vehicle, like oil changes and changing an air filter inexpensively and relatively quickly.  As an added bonus a clean air filter will help you to get good gas mileage.

Step 3: Check your vehicle's fluid levels.
While most people don't do it, it's a good idea to keep an eye on your vehicle's fluid levels, such as the oil, transmission fluid, radiator coolant, and brake fluid.  Simple checks like these can prevent major problems like overheating.

Step 4: Check your tires' air pressure.
Under inflated tires wear out more quickly than properly inflated ones, not to mention the fact that they are dangerous.  Purchase an air pressure gauge and periodically check your car or truck's tire pressure to make sure that it is correct.

Step 5:  Take it easy on your vehicle when you first start it.
Vehicles' engines don't have much oil in them when you first start them.  It is a good idea to take it easy on your car or truck for the first minute after you start it until the oil has had a chance to warm up and work its way through the system.

Step 6: Use the proper gasoline.
If your vehicle requires the use of high grade fuel, make sure to use it.  Sure it may run on a slightly lower grade, but it probably will not last as long.

Step 7: Wash your car regularly.
A clean car is a happy car.  It never hurts to wash all of that road salt, sludge, etc off of your car or truck.  It will help keep it looking new longer.

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