If you've owned your car for several years now or bought a pre-owned vehicle, it might be starting to show signs of wear. At this point, it pays to be proactive about keeping your vehicle in good shape, whether you plan to continue driving it or sell it sometime in the future. Here are three ways you can keep your older car running efficiently.

3 Ways to Take Care of An Older Car

1. Take Care of the Brakes

The brake system in your car is an essential safety feature. Over time, your brake pads wear out, robbing your brake system of the ability to slow your wheels quickly enough. Have your brake pads inspected every year or two at an auto repair shop. If your brakes need repairs, make sure your mechanic examines the smaller components inside, such as the rubber brake lines and wheel bearings.

2. Fill and Replace Fluids

Keeping fresh fluids in your vehicle encourage better circulation throughout your engine and cooling system. There are varying opinions on how often you should change your motor oil, but a rule of thumb states that you should change conventional oils every 3,000 miles and synthetic oils every 5,000 miles. It’s also wise to get other fluids changed, such as your brake fluids and coolant. Have an auto repair professional check your brake fluid whenever you’re having brake maintenance performed, and ask them to examine your coolant level during every oil change.

3. Replace Your Timing Belt

Once your vehicle has driven over 100,000 miles, you’ll likely need to replace the engine’s timing belt, also known as the timing chain or cambelt. This is an essential part of the internal combustion engine that lets the valves open and close at the proper times. 

If your car runs on an interference engine, a broken timing belt will require you to purchase a new engine entirely. With a non-interference engine, a snapped timing belt will simply cause your engine to stop working. Both situations will require auto repairs, and neither is desirable, which is why it’s important that you replace your timing belt if your car’s mileage has passed the 100,000-mile mark.

Whether you need an inspection or a full-service repair job, Murray's Auto Body Shop in Goshen, NY, is here to help. Since 1953, they have provided their community with world-class auto repair services. You can count on them to boost your older car’s performance and keep it running strong in the future. Visit their website to learn more about their services or call (845) 294-6139 for a free estimate today.