Tips to prevent your car and prolong its useful life: 8 essential habits

Avoid stressing the engine, especially in cold conditions

Before starting your vehicle, it is essential to wait 30 or 40 seconds for the oil to rise from the crankcase and begin to lubricate all engine components. Once the operating temperature has been reached, around 90 degrees Celsius, it is important to avoid forcing the engine, that is, not to accelerate suddenly or change gears in a hurry.

This will help prevent breakdowns related to inadequate lubrication, such as irregular wear on the cylinder liner or crankshaft bearings, which can cause anything from excessive oil consumption to engine seizure or even turbo failure, which works at a low speed. 100,000 rpm and requires optimal lubrication.

Comply with car maintenance

The maintenance of your vehicle is essential to guarantee its proper functioning and prolong its useful life. One of the most important tasks is to follow the inspection and maintenance schedule recommended by the manufacturer, which is generally found in the car's maintenance book. This includes oil changes and filters, such as air and

the antipollen, as well as the antifreeze. However, it is not only these items that you should worry about, there are many more that need to be checked and maintained regularly, such as the shock absorbers, the silentbock, the accessory belt and the tensioner. It is important to bear in mind that if you practice sporty driving or if your car is exposed to more adverse environments, such as the city, it is advisable to shorten the service intervals. In addition, it is essential not to forget the gearbox and differential oils, as these must also be changed regularly. Despite what the manufacturer says, no oil is for life, since over time it loses its properties due to high temperatures and the work it is subjected to. If your car is a few years old and you are a bit of a handyman, we recommend that you carry out the basic maintenance operations yourself. In this way, you will save money that you can invest in better spare parts, you will know exactly what material to take with you and no one will do it with as much care and attention as you. In addition, you will feel more fulfilled and you will know your own car better. Finally, do not leave for tomorrow what you can do today, if an element is reaching the end of its useful life, change it and solve any minor fault or problem. In this way you will prevent them from accumulating and you will have an optimal user experience.

turbo care

The turbocharger is one of the most critical and expensive items to repair in a modern gasoline or diesel engine, especially due to the downsizing trend. to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, while improving performance. Lubrication is essential to ensure the proper functioning of the turbo. It is important to follow the oil change intervals recommended by the manufacturer and always use oil that meets the specifications (API, quality, viscosity, etc.). To avoid problems with the turbocharger, the following advice is recommended: Carry out the oil change at the intervals recommended by the manufacturer and always use oil that meets the specifications. Wait about 30 seconds before starting the engine to allow the oil to reach the turbo and lubricate it. Before shutting off the engine, let it idle for one minute to allow hot oil to drain out of the turbo and cool properly. This will help prevent the oil from carbonizing inside the turbo and causing damage to the bearings or rotor blades. It is important to follow this advice not only after a long journey or demanding driving, but also before refuelling.

Clutch Care

Learn how to prolong the life of your clutch with these 5 tips: Avoid resting your foot on the clutch pedal while driving. Be sure to fully depress the clutch pedal when changing gear. Do not release the clutch abruptly or quickly. Use neutral when you are stopped for a long time, such as at a stop light or hold. Controls the use of the "half-clutch" and the friction point to prevent premature wear. possible faults when the clutch squeals and/or the clutch stays down.

Why shouldn't you drive with your hand on the gear knob?

To drive safely, it is important to keep Keep your hands on the wheel at all times, as this allows us to be prepared for any unforeseen event that may occur on the road. Avoiding resting your hand on the gear lever is crucial, as it can not only increase the risk of accidents, but can also cause damage and mechanical problems to the vehicle.

It is important to avoid going up curbs or crashing into them when driving

In summary, when driving you should avoid going up curbs or crashing into them, as this can cause damage to the tire and suspension of the vehicle. If it is necessary to climb a curb, it is recommended to do so diagonally, first one wheel at a time, and avoid rubbing the tire against the curb when parking. This will help extend the life of the vehicle's tires and suspension.

Regularly check levels and pressures

The Sunday service is a good practice to keep your vehicle in good condition and prevent mechanical problems. It consists of periodically checking fluid levels, checking tire pressure, inspecting the engine compartment for leaks or loose parts, and checking the wear and condition of the tires. It is important to do this check with the car cold, that is, before it has been used, in order to obtain an accurate reading of the tire pressures. Performing this check regularly can help extend the life of your vehicle and increase safety on the road.

Parking in the sun can cause a series of problems in the body of your car

It is important to avoid parking in the sun as the heat and UV rays can cause Damage to the vehicle body, such as discoloration, fading, or increased appearance of wrinkles and cracks in the paint. In addition, heat can also affect the material plastics used inside the vehicle, such as the dashboard. One way to prevent this damage is to use a reflective sun visor to protect the vehicle body and windows, especially after a rain or storm to remove traces of bird droppings or insects that can damage the paint. It is important to clean these remains as soon as possible to prevent them from adhering and causing permanent stains.