One of the deciding factors in buying a car is its potential longevity. For many people, it is right at the top of the list. However, the potential life span of your vehicle doesn’t mean much without proper car maintenance and prudent driving practices.

3 Car Maintenance Essentials for Increased Longevity

1. Schedule Regular Maintenance

By far, the most effective way to extend your vehicle’s longevity is to have it regularly serviced by a skilled, experienced mechanic. Bring your car in for service every 3,000 to 4,000 miles — don’t wait for something to go wrong. A mechanic will change your oil, take a thorough look at your car, top off your fluids, and see if any further work needs to be done.

2. Adjust Tire Pressure

Tire pressure is an essential yet often overlooked car maintenance component. Pressure meters are easy to come by and most gas stations have air machines; there is nothing wrong with using these for a quick fix when something doesn’t feel right. However, to extend the life of your wheels, prevent flats and blowouts, and up your gas mileage, your tire pressure needs to be precise. Your regular car maintenance routine should include having your tire pressure adjusted by a mechanic once a month.

3. Drive Safely & Smoothly

You may think of driving habits and car maintenance as two entirely separate things, but they’re not. Aside from increasing the risk of an accident, driving recklessly, over-aggressively, or too fast causes a lot of unnecessary wear and tear to your car — particularly the engine. Sudden acceleration and braking, sharp turns at high speeds, and driving over the speed limit are not only unsafe, but they’re also bad for your car. Driving responsibly will allow you to enjoy your car thousands of miles to come.

Looking for a mechanic to help you extend the life of your car? Village Auto Services has provided Cincinnati, OH, with top-notch auto repair and scheduled maintenance since 1970. Call (513) 561-­5350 to make an appointment, and visit their website and Yelp page today for reviews from their many happy customers.