If you really love your car, you’ll probably want to keep it in great condition for as long as possible.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the average age of a car on American roads is about 13 years, so many people are doing everything they can to keep their old reliable wheels going for more than a decade.
Things like changing your oil regularly, taking care of your battery, keeping your vehicle filled with fluids and keeping your windshield covered can help your car last longer. This will also help keep some unexpected items in your car.
Here’s a low-stress car maintenance checklist to help you get the most from your vehicle.
Protecting your battery
When a car is outside, components under your hood can get hot, including your battery. This may cause the electrolyte fluid inside to evaporate, resulting in corrosion and weakening. Try to park in the shade or a garage to limit the heat. This won’t guarantee that it won’t be harmed by high temperatures, but it’s a start.
If you live in an area with scorching heat, you should consider purchasing AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries. They are tightly sealed so that the liquid inside does not evaporate, and they last longer than traditional flooded batteries. If you plan to park your car for a long period of time, consider using a battery tender to keep it charged when not in use. AGM batteries can be purchased at auto parts stores and most retail stores – such as Walmart or Home Depot – for around $160 and up, while tenders cost around $50.
Check and refill your fluids
Summer heat can affect the fluids inside your car and make them less effective overall. High temperatures cause engine oil to degrade rapidly, and if more oil is not added the lack of lubrication will damage engine components. This can reduce the viscosity of the transmission fluid and coolant, so you’ll need to add more to keep the car running properly.
Install a sunshade for your vehicle
During summer, you may see some parked cars with a cover that looks like aluminum foil on their windshield. These are called sunshades, and they are meant to prevent UV rays and heat from overloading the inside of your vehicle. They can also protect the interior from excessive sunlight, which can cause seats and dashboards to shrink or crack.
Before purchasing a sunshade, make sure the dimensions are compatible with your car.
Wash and dry your car frequently
How often you wash your car will vary depending on the time of year, where you live, and whether you have a garage or covered parking. If you live in an area where it snows, getting a regular wash can be a little difficult as many car wash businesses are closed during the colder months. Still, it’s important to wash off any road salt on your vehicle and dry it off immediately afterward.
Regular washing will prevent these contaminants from accumulating and damaging your paint job over time. But when you wash your car, make sure you dry it properly. Going to car wash with air dryer is the best choice for you. You should also use a microfiber towel to remove any remaining water, which will prevent water spots from forming and causing damage.
Have some rain gear
If you are out riding during drizzle or heavy rain, it will be helpful to have an umbrella and a rain poncho. Make sure your windshield wipers are working properly, and be aware of when they need to be replaced with a new pair.
With new cars costing around $50,000, many people invest in keeping their current ride running for as long as possible. Be sure to follow your manufacturer’s recommended maintenance and oil change schedule, check your fluids often, keep things clean, and you’ll be good to go for the long haul.
Keenan Thompson is a car culture reporter for the Detroit Free Press. Contact Keenan at (email protected). Keith Lang is the automotive trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact Keith at (email protected).
Reporting by Keenan Thompson and Keith Laing, USA TODAY/USA TODAY. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect.