As a car owner, you might be wondering about how to make your car last as long as possible. Ideally, you want it to be a lifetime, without spending loads of money on repairs, find out how.
Take Care of the Transmission Fluid
When it comes to effective maintenance, you must take care of the transmission fluid of your car. Modern automatic transmissions can be a really tough cookie. Suppose you have a car of the latest make and model. In that case, the transmission might be quite complicated and technologically advanced to the point that servicing and replacing the transmission fluid can be a tricky procedure.
It is not unusual to hear stories of cars with high mileage and properly shifting transmissions that went for a transmission fluid change and came out with a slipping and essentially broken transmission. The risk and the potential cost of servicing automatic transmissions have gotten to the point where it really should only be done by dealers and professionals who specialize in your particular vehicle.
Just like coolant and engine oils, you need to ensure that you are using the appropriate fluid for your car.
The Frequency of Changing Transmission Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid, including those for continuously variable transmissions, should be changed roughly every fifty to sixty thousand miles. Also, transmission fluid changes should even be done with transmissions that come with lifetime fluid that comes sealed from the factory. You must keep in mind that manufacturers are not really concerned with whether the car lasts beyond the warranty period.
So, if you want to make sure that your car lasts a lifetime, it is really up to you to maintain your car properly. By taking care of your car and adopting safe driving habits, you can truly maximize its lifespan. On that note, you should consider that a full transmission replacement can easily cost you up to seven thousand dollars – if it hasn’t been maintained properly. So, regular changes in transmission fluid just seem worth it in the long run.
In Case of Manual Transmission…
Compared to automatic transmissions, manual transmissions are a little bit more straightforward and simple to maintain. As a rule of thumb, you should change the transmission fluid roughly every thirty thousand miles. All you need to do is a simple drain-and-fill. If you do so, it should last the lifetime of your car.
This is also the case for all-wheel drive components, including the transfer case and differentials. These critical driveline components have fluid that needs to be changed roughly every thirty thousand miles. Just like the transmission, failing to change the fluid regularly can lead to premature failure down the road.
Speaking of failing components, you must always opt for genuine spare parts for the longevity, reliability, and safety of your car. Check out Ovoko and find the original spare parts that you need for your vehicle.
Regularly Assess The Brake Fluid
Another fluid that you need to maintain is the brake fluid. Make sure to regularly check the complete braking system of your car for wear and function. Also, make sure to flush the brake fluid every three to four years. While assessing the brake system, double-check all aspects of the braking function so that you can prevent the failure of certain brake components, such as brake calipers.
Final Thoughts
Beyond car fluids, it is equally important to keep a close eye on tune-up-related service items, such as spark plugs and air filters. These filters should be replaced at the manufacturer-rated intervals to maintain optimal performance and reliability. Don’t make the mistake of skipping these services, as nothing is more disastrous than an engine with old spark plugs that are seized inside the engine and are difficult to remove.
Protecting Your Vehicle from Rust and Corrosion During Storage is also something you may want to learn about. This information can help increase the body of your car even if it isn’t in storage.
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