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Increase car life

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December 2, 2014
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These days we’re all on an economy drive. To avoid having to spend out on a new car or costly repairs, Adrian Flux Insurance Services has put together some top tips to keep your existing car running for longer.

  • Keep up to date with your car’s servicing and maintenance. This can avoid costly repairs in the long run and keep the car working at its best. By keeping servicing and Ford_Mondeo_MK3_ST220_-_Speedometer_(light)maintenance documents up to date it will ensure you get the full benefit of the manufacturer’s warranty. It also helps with resale.
  • Avoid short journeys where possible. Starting the engine from cold is hard on engines, fuel, the environment and the life of your car. When you start a cold engine condensation forms in the exhaust. If you don’t run the car for long enough to evaporate all of the condensation out of the system, it can lead to excessive amounts of water accumulating in the muffler/silencer and cause rust problems. Equally cars should not be left to sit for longer than a week or two without being used.
  • Check and top up fluids as required and regularly change the oil. Lack of oil can cause engine damage and a lack of water can cause the engine to overheat. Follow recommendations of which oils etc to use in the car manual.
  • Check tyres for uneven tread. Uneven wear can be a sign of other problems.3308974893_dc8dfba391_m
  • Check the tyre pressure regularly and keep tyres inflated to manufacturer guidelines depending on the cars load. This useful tool from Kwik-Fit can help identify correct tyre pressures. The wrong inflation can lead to all sorts of problems including an increased possibility of blow outs, low fuel efficiency, lack of grip, and uneven tyre wear.
  • Regularly clean the car. Road salt, sludge and pollution can lead to rust and body work damage, as well as corrosion to components. This is particularly important during winter ‘gritting months’ or if you live near the sea.
  • Avoid pot holes.
  • Change gears and brake as smoothly as possible.
  • Ensure you don’t rest your left foot on the clutch, to avoid damaging the clutch plate.
  • Look ahead to spot potential hazards early on. As well as protecting your car driving carefully can also increase fuel efficiency and save money.



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