Nowadays, a car is more than just a metal vehicle that takes you from one place to another. We’ve come to associate an irreplaceable sentimental value to it the longer that we use it. Maybe it’s the first car you ever drove, or maybe it’s the one that you take your family around in.
These memories and milestones that are attached to an old car make it hard to let go. After all, if your trusty old car has served you well for that long, who’s to say it can’t live a few thousand miles more?
While it may be nice to purchase a newer, shinier car, there’s much to be said about an older car that’s been with you for a long time. You know the way it runs, and you’ve probably gone under the bonnet enough times to know its inner workings.
Another great advantage is that the premium for insurance on older cars is lower, and it may also have a lower personal property tax. These additional perks certainly prove that newer isn’t always better.
However, if you’ve been hearing a few suspicious clunks and thumps from your vehicle, it may be time to re-evaluate the way you take care of it. It is vital to keep your automobile fresh and dependable by looking after it well.
Here are a few tips to make sure that your old car is in tip-top shape:
#1: Check your brakes.
One way to make sure your vehicle will live longer, and live well at that, is to keep the braking system in check. If your car is particularly old, it’s best for you to bleed the brakes. You can do this at home or you can drop by the nearest shop to get some professional assistance.
To keep your brake system working like it’s brand new, don’t forget to complete replace the brake fluid at least once every two years. However, if your car makes it past the six-year mark, we suggest that you get the rubber brake lines replaced during times when the brakes need major attention.
#2: Keep it clean.
This goes without saying, but consistently cleaning your car should be a priority. We don’t just mean a quick wash-down when your windows are too murky to see through— we mean a regularly scheduled one that makes sure all the nooks and crannies are clean.
You should always get your car washed and waxed to prevent your paint from rusting, and to keep your car shining like you just bought it.
Now that you’ve taken care of the exterior, it’s important to put in as much attention to the interior as well.
Interior detailing can get pricey, so it’s best if you can start with the small acts of cleaning. These can be something simple like catching spills and food crumbs, vacuuming the upholstery, and shampooing the carpets frequently.
#3: Inflate Your Tires
This is such a simple step that it can also be so easily overlooked. Missing this small part can lead to big complications such as a lower gas mileage which will cost you more money, wear on suspension-based parts, etc. The worst of it all is that you’ll be putting your safety at risk, along with your passengers.
With the changing of the seasons, your car’s tire pressure changes as well. Don’t forget to habitually check your tires to make sure that they are all set and ready to take on the road.
This tip is particularly essential to older vehicles since they’re more susceptible to breakages along the way.
#3: Get a good mechanic.
You know how men stick with a barber and don’t switch to a different one once they’ve found someone they can trust? The same should go with mechanics. Rather than hopping from one auto repair shop to another, it’s best to find one to answer to all your car’s needs.
Having a go-to mechanic will save you time and unnecessary stress. Find one that is certified to avoid any problems.
This person you’ll trust with your car will be the one to know its workings inside and out. Since the mechanic will know the history of your vehicle, know of any problems and repairs done to it, he or she will know how to best remedy any automobile problems.
Paying a certain amount of money for a mechanic will save you more in the long-run. It will help you avoid any accidents, as well as any unexpected breakages in the future.
However, if your car is too far gone that a few fixes here and there can no longer fix it, you may want to consider a classic car restoration in West Sussex. This full restoration will make sure your car is running and looking as smooth as it did the first time you bought it!
