While everybody knows that keeping your engine in check can extend the life of your vehicle considerably, there are others, less-known things you can do to ensure your car stays in top shape.
1. To keep the engine in good shape, avoid accelerating too fast when you begin to drive, especially if it’s cold and the engine is not yet completely warmed. When the temperature it’s particularly low or high, avoid speeding up and slowing down frequently, as this adds wear and tear to the engine.
2. Buy your gas from brand-name stations. Or find one that you trust and stick to it. Different stations may mix alcohol and fuel in different proportions, “confusing” your engine and adding dirt to the tank (which in turn moves to the engine). When in doubt, ask whether the gasoline is filtered at the pump. This keeps the gas cleaner.
3. Keep your car clean, both inside and out. Dirt and spilled liquids can be corrosive and damage not only the upholstery but also the paint and the dashboard. Dirt can get into the instruments and engine and cause them to malfunction over time.
