Aging gracefully: Get more years out of your car

We invest a lot of time and money into purchasing our cars, so it only makes sense to want to look after them and protect them with car insurance for all their love, hard work and time they have given us.

Regardless of the age of your car; whether it is a few years old or brand spanking new, with the proper care and attention your car will last longer, go further and perform better. What’s more, you won’t have to outlay additional funds to replace it because it is old, battered and tired.

Here are six tips on how to get the most out of your car for years to come while making it safer, more reliable and in tip top shape.

1. Go by the book.

Book your car in for its regular service and maintenance checks as stipulated in your cars log books. By sticking to the book and getting it serviced regularly you will avoid the opportunity for major costly things to go wrong as your mechanic will stop them in their tracks.

2. Check oil and coolant levels.

Check the level of your cars oil and coolant every couple of weeks to avoid premature wear on your engine, continuous low levels and wear on the engine can lead to engine damage which not only is costly but reduces long term car reliability.

3. Tyre pressure.

Check the pressure of your tyres once a week or a fortnight is ideal. Low tyre pressure can affect your fuel economy, handling of the car and comfort. It is also an idea to have your tyres rotated and balanced regularly as uneven tyres can cause unusual wear and tear and you may have to replace them much sooner than you had hoped.

4. Wash, wax and polish.

To keep your car free from rust and to avoid the colour from fading it is important to regularly wash and polish your car. Don’t forget the inside of your car to dust and vacuum, you will feel like you are driving a brand new car all over again.

5. Warning, warning, warning.

If a warning light comes on while driving don’t hope that it will go away, have a mechanic check it out immediately. It may be nothing major but it's worth investigating rather than letting it get worse and costing you more in the long run.

6. Listen.

Always keep an ear out for odd noises from your car while driving. If you hear something that you aren’t sure about, get it checked straight away out by a mechanic.

7. Compare car insurance.

If you want to keep your vehicle for a long time, you will want it to provide maximum safety protection and by having it covered will ensure this. You can be covered in the event of an accident, theft or if your windscreen needs replacing. This will also save you money long term as well as provide you with peace of mind. To find the best cover for you compare online and save.

By sticking to these tips your car will perform better, last longer, be much safer, more economical and you will save in the long run. Even though the initial outlay for services and maintenance may be expensive, avoiding them and not looking after yourself and your car can essentially cost you much more.