Investing in simple tips to make your car last longer is essential these days. 

With new and used vehicles becoming increasingly expensive, it's essential to know how to use your car. 

Unfortunately, there are still many people who only know how to drive, but don't know how to take care of their car effectively. 

Taking care of your vehicle strategically is an excellent way to make it last longer. 

A durable and well-maintained vehicle usually requires less maintenance and therefore, less expense for the owner. 

So, we ask you: Do you know what you need to do to make your car last longer?

If the answer was no, don't worry. 

As we always help you when it comes to the automotive world, our experts are here once again. 

This time, they've prepared a special article with tips to make your car last longer. 

So, if you want a vehicle that can be driven for a long time, you need to check out today's article. 

Let's learn?

You certainly take good care of the objects you have at home, don't you?

Take a number of precautions with your household appliances and electronic equipment so that they last as long as possible. 

However, many people don't apply this logic to vehicles, and this tends to happen simply due to a lack of knowledge. 

So, we're going to show you a series of tips to make your car last longer. 

They are important for increasing the lifespan of components and, in a simple and functional way, enhance the overall durability of your car. 

And as a bonus, you'll also save on maintenance. 

So, let's get started! 

Many people boast about owning a car that is driven very little and is in like-new condition.

However, low mileage does not mean the car is of good quality. 

That's because the engine needs to reach a certain temperature to run properly. 

It is only at a specific temperature that the engine components expand and reach ideal operating and lubrication conditions. 

Therefore, using your car continuously for short trips, where it doesn't reach an ideal operating temperature, only accelerates wear and tear and increases fuel consumption. 

Driving for less than 15 minutes does not warm up the engine oil and prevents proper lubrication. 

It has become increasingly common to find cars with low mileage that show more wear and tear than cars with higher mileage. 

Vehicles fueled with ethanol experience even more problems in cold weather, especially in regions with low temperatures. 

Therefore, if you are one of those people who only uses the car for short trips, there are two options:

The first option is to travel on foot or by public transport.

Alternatively, start your car and wait at least five minutes before driving off, so that it reaches a suitable operating temperature. 

Many people are unaware of this fact and end up driving less and with a cold engine, which accelerates wear and tear. 

Regularly checking the engine coolant level is an excellent habit.

However, topping up the level with tap water is a harmful practice, although it is relatively common. 

Over time, this causes corrosion and clogs pipes, internal ducts, and water pumps, in addition to lowering the boiling point. 

The manual is very clear: Use only distilled or demineralized water with an additive recommended by the manufacturer. 

Using regular water can create a number of unwanted residues in the engine system. 

The additive present in these products is essential to prevent corrosion. 

In addition, it helps raise the temperature of the coolant, which reduces the chances of the engine overheating. 

Therefore, just as important as checking the fluid level in the radiator reservoir is topping it up correctly and properly. 

Changing the engine oil and filter within the mileage specified in the owner's manual is a basic requirement. 

However, many people prioritize only the distance traveled and forget that oil has an expiration date. 

In other words, the time to change the oil is determined by whichever comes first: the mileage or the expiration date. 

After a certain period of time, the components of the oil degrade and its lubricating capacity is compromised. 

Thus, there is an increase in friction between the internal components of the engine and consequently in fuel consumption. 

Furthermore, there is another detail:

Under severe conditions, such as driving on unpaved roads, overloading, or in congested traffic, the mileage and replacement interval should be brought forward.

Having a trusted mechanic advise you on maintenance schedules, as well as mileage and expiration dates for oil and filters, is one of the main tips for making your car last longer.

We all know that fuel is expensive, however, it's important to be very careful when filling up. 

Avoiding fuel of dubious origin is another one of our tips to help your car last longer and save you money. 

In order to save money, especially during times of inflated fuel prices, many people end up filling up at gas stations with lower prices.

In this case, it's important to mention that a low price is not synonymous with adulteration.

However, it's worth being wary when the prices charged are significantly below the market average. 

One way to avoid adulterated fuel is to always ask for a receipt to prove the purchase. 

This is a practical solution, as gasoline adulterated with solvents, ethanol, or water seriously affects the health of the engine and its components. 

The solvent damages pipes, seals, and rubber parts. 

Furthermore, they cause the formation of sediment deposits inside the engine, accelerating the corrosion of components.

The result is erratic engine operation and increased fuel consumption. 

Therefore, our experts' tip for choosing the right fuel is as follows:

Always look for "branded gas stations," such as BR Petrobrás, Shell, and Ipiranga, that provide fuel testing and analysis to customers. 

Remember that most of the time, cheap things end up being expensive!

There are many people who buy a brand new car and think that breaking in the engine is a thing of the past.

That's without even mentioning those who don't even know what engine break-in means. 

However, most brands include in their owner's manuals advice not to overuse the accelerator during the first few kilometers of use.

During the break-in period, the engine is not subjected to as much stress until the internal components adjust and it reaches its ideal operating level. 

The operating level consists of increased performance and reduced fuel consumption. 

But how do you break in the engine?

Normally, the break-in period should be completed until the vehicle has reached 1000 to 1500 kilometers on the odometer. 

During this period, ideally you should drive at maximum speeds that do not exceed 130 km/h. 

Furthermore, it is recommended that gear changes occur at an engine speed between 3000 and 3500 rpm. 

It is common for a vehicle to reach its peak performance only after 3,000 km have been driven. 

Even with technological advancements, current combustion engine designs still take this "break-in period" into account.

And none of that is going to change anytime soon. 

And the last of our tips for making your car last longer is focused on the tires. 

Just as oil shouldn't be changed solely based on mileage, neither should tires. 

Like lubricating oil, tires also have an expiration date.

The expiration date of the tires is printed on their sidewalls. 

Replacing tires based solely on wear and tear is a common mistake most people make.

However, tires whose expiration dates have passed cause significant damage to the vehicle.

Old tires increase fuel consumption, wear out brake pads and discs, and affect the suspension and shock absorbers.

Furthermore, old tires pose a safety risk. 

Therefore, in addition to checking your tire pressure weekly, don't forget to check their expiration dates. 

Now that you know the main tips to make your car last longer and help save on maintenance, we want to ask you something very important:

Do you know anything about mechanics? Have you ever felt like you were ripped off at a mechanic's shop?

Then…

Many people still suffer at the hands of unscrupulous mechanics.

However, this is a problem that can be easily overcome. 

To help you with this issue as well, our experts have produced a special article. 

In this article, they present a series of tips and actions you should take to avoid being scammed at auto repair shops. 

Do you want to pay a fair and honest price for your vehicle's maintenance? 

Then, all you need to do is click the button below!