Buying a new or used vehicle is a big investment and most drivers are keen to get as many miles and years out of their vehicle as possible. Luckily, Chevrolet vehicles are built to last, but there are some things you can do to ensure you’re able to drive your Chevy for 200,000 miles or more. Here are six tips to help improve your vehicle’s lifespan.
Chevrolet vehicles are capable of some impressive feats, but always pushing your car to the very edge of its ability isn’t a good practice, especially if you plan to drive it for a long time. Just look at NASCAR as an example. There are pit stops along the track for a reason. Pushing a car too far takes a toll on everything from the tires and brakes to the engine and suspension. To prolong your vehicle’s life, avoid rapid acceleration, extreme speeds, and hard braking.
Properly following your vehicle’s factory-recommended maintenance schedule is one of the best things you can do for your vehicle. Things like regular oil changes, tire rotations, and routine car inspections that cover your belts, hoses, and other fluids can go a long way to protect your vehicle from the natural wear and tear of daily driving.
Overloading is a more common issue among truck drivers. The Chevrolet Silverado and Colorado are both powerful vehicles that can tow and haul a great deal of weight but loading them down with more than they can handle will strain the engine, the chassis, and other components. Make sure you know your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity and payload capacity before you hitch a trailer to it or load the cargo area.
Many people think their parking brake is only useful on a steep incline, but that’s not entirely true. Whenever you park your vehicle, a portion of its weight rests on your transmission. If you’re on an incline, the transmission can end up bearing the entire weight of your vehicle, causing it to wear down faster than it would otherwise. Using your parking brake relieves that pressure, prolonging the life of your transmission.
Regularly washing and waxing your car isn’t just for aesthetics. Keeping your vehicle clean will protect your paint job while also preventing rust and other corrosion. The next time you wash your vehicle, make sure you give your undercarriage a little TLC as well.
If you’re traveling abroad or simply won’t be using your vehicle for an extended time, make sure to store it properly. Before you put it away, fill the gas tank using a fuel stabilizer, change the oil, and make sure it’s freshly washed. If possible, store it in a garage or use a car cover to protect it from the elements.
Using these tips will help you get the most mileage out of your vehicle and the service team at Jim Taylor Chevrolet can help. Our state-of-the-art service center will help you stay up to date on your factory-scheduled maintenance and can even provide you with more tips and practices that will extend your vehicle’s lifespan. Book an appointment with us today.
