17 Ways to Make Your Car Last Forever

Buying a new car can be expensive and tedious and although we cannot always control the circumstances that force us to trade in our old vehicle for a new one, there are certain things we can do to prolong the life of our cars. A recent report from Consumer Reports noted cars on the road are now lasting for more than 11 years, which is up from 8.4 years in 1995.

This is the result of developments that have led to improvements in reliability and durability but as a car owner there are also things you can do to further prolong your vehicle's life. Here we look at the 17 ways you can make your car last forever, according to Autocar.

1. Use those revs. It may annoy other drivers, or your neighbors, but exploring the upper levels of your rev range can reduce carbon deposits in the injection system and cylinder head. Just do not go overboard.
2. Let the engine warm up. Remember when you were a kid and you used to sit in the car for 10 minutes while your parents warmed the engine up on those freezing winter mornings? Well it does not hurt to do the same with your modern vehicle.
3. Don't run low on gas. So many drivers are in the habit of riding their vehicle on empty but this is just damaging your fuel system by sending sediment that gathers at the bottom of your fuel tank to the pump, filter, and even the fuel injectors – ultimately clogging them up.
4. Check the coolant strength. Antifreeze has multiple purposes. It stops your coolant from turning to ice and also acts as a corrosion inhibitor.
5. Follow the service schedule. It is amazing how many people do not do this. There is a reason why cars should be serviced regularly, and that is because certain parts, filters and fluids can only last for a certain amount of time. When certain parts fail it can lead to premature failure of other parts.
6. Act swiftly. It is easy to ignore that strange noise or engine warning light that flickers on every now and again but you can be doing more damage by not acting. Address issues immediately as they arise or you will cause more damage.
7. Maintain the battery. Your car battery will inevitably reach its end, but you can preserve its lifespan by keeping it charged through a battery tender that you can plug into your wall socket.
8. Use synthetic oil: Mineral oils degrade fast but synthetic oils will go a long way in prolonging the life of your gearbox and engine.
9. Use Gummi Pflege. This is a silicone that you apply to rubber doors and window seals which will dramatically increase their lifespan.
10. Wheel alignment. Your wheel alignment might be out because of the suspension bushings or or it might be your tires. The only way to know for sure is to check it regularly and get it fixed.
11. Cam belt renewal. Many car owners overlook replacing the cam belt, or timing belt, but if the time has come and gone for a new one to be installed you may want to do so soon. If the cam belt goes go, your engine will probably be destroyed.
12. Renew the water pump. If this simple pump goes, chances are so will your entire engine. Best replace the water pump if you have not done so in a while.
13. Check your tires. This is one of the most basic yet often overlooked ways to make your car last. If your tire pressure is down, even just by a bit, it will force your engine to work harder. Not only will this put wear and tear on your vehicle, it will also push up your fuel bills.
14. Replace fuel hoses. If it has been a while since you last replaced your fuel hose, you might want to do so soon. Over time, the rubber in these hoses degrade, which will lead to leaks.
15. Air filter(s). Make sure you replace your air filters regularly because once they are clogged with dirt, they can strain your car's engine.

• Top 7 New Cars Given Up After Only a Year of Ownership
• Rolls-Royce SUV Cullinan Confirmed, Teased After 3 Years of Development