I recently came across an interesting question, posed to me:
“As a mechanic, if you only had $100 to spend on car maintenance, what would you do?”
– A Loved One
I love this question for a number of reasons.
First of all, it’s a holistic question. It takes into account all aspects of the vehicle – in its entirety. The fact of the matter is that as a mechanic, I can’t help but ride in any vehicle and immediately see or hear a bunch of things that could be improved. This is not something I necessarily do consciously, it just happens. If you’re reading this blog post, its likely you suffer from the same affliction.
To quote Monk, “It’s a gift…and a curse.“
Another thing I like about this question is that it is efficient. Since you are limited to $100, you can’t go straight to things like, “replace the entire transmission.” This requires that you say to yourself, “Self, we’re on limited funds here. What can we do that will give us the biggest bang for the buck?”
The fact of the matter is that most people have $100 of disposable income that they could lay on a table right now (at least the plastic version). If not, it is an amount that could be scraped together in a month or two.
If you want to get meta, this question also has parallels to our bodies as well. Neglect them, and they’ll start acting up. Regular maintenance isn’t just about preventing breakdowns; it’s a love language between you and your vehicle. It’s about saying, ‘Hey buddy, I’ve got your back, and we’re in this for the long haul.’ Sure, your wallet might be on a diet, but that doesn’t mean your car has to suffer.
Back in the day, my grandpa had a saying: ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’ Wise words, especially when it comes to cars. His life bared it out; he knew that a bit of attention today could save you a truckload of trouble tomorrow. So, let’s take a page from my grandpa’s wisdom playbook and dive into the art of keeping our rides not just roadworthy but thriving.
One quick caveat here: This is going to assume you don’t have any a priori knowledge about the vehicle. For example, if you knew the oil had been changed 100 miles ago, you wouldn’t go and change it again. The principles are sound, if you have additional information, by all means use that to inform your decisions.
9 Tasks to Prolong Your Car’s Life
If I just acquired a used car and I didn’t know anything about the history of it, these are the 10 things I would do immediately.
1. Change the Oil
Ask just about any mechanic, and they will tell you that the number one thing you can do to prolong the life of your car is to change the oil regularly! Regular oil changes are crucial for maintaining engine health and longevity. It’s a relatively inexpensive way to prevent major engine problems. Now, you will hear disagreements on the following two points:
- What is “Regularly”? and,
- Should I use Conventional or Synthetic motor oil?
Change Oil Regularly
Here’s my opinion on “changing the oil regularly.” I’ve heard the number 3000-mile oil changes bandied about. You probably have too. This is a relic from the past. It is called the 3000-mile myth. I am here to tell you:
It is not necessary to change your oil every 3000 miles.
– Richard Tomlinsen, PracticalMechanic.com
Not only does it consume your money, your engine doesn’t need it, it’s wasteful, and it’s not good for the environment.
Obviously if you changed your oil every 100 miles, that would keep your engine very clean! But at what cost? It just isn’t necessary. On the other end of the spectrum, you hear about a grandma not realizing oil changes are a thing and going 30,000 miles.
That being said, I recommend you change your oil every 5000 miles. Why? Because in my experience, this is a good (and safe) balancing point between going so long the oil breaks down and waste. Oh, and don’t forget to change the filter at the same time.
Synthetic or Conventional Oil?
Honestly, changing your oil regularly is so much more important than whether you use Synthetic or Conventional, that it is like asking if you should clean the dust off of the tip of the spire on the top of the empire state building before you measure its height. Yeah, it will make a difference, but compared to the height of the building, it is almost a non-factor.
Now, that being said, synthetic oil is better — there is no question on that. Synthetic motor oils are artificially made chemical compounds. That is so say, they are not just pumped out of the ground and filtered. I use synthetic oil myself, and I have articles on this website attesting to that fact. However, if cost is a factor, then I have no problem with someone using conventional oil rather than synthetic.
2. Change the Engine Air Filter
Here’s a question for you, have you ever been taking off a sweater, it gets caught around your face, and you begin to panic? No? Just me? (It happens more than I’d like to admit…)
Anyway, the point is you start to suffocate, you feel like you can’t breathe. That’s what your car is experiencing when you drive around with an old dirty filter — it can’t breathe properly.
So what? You may ask, it still runs…
While that may be true, these are the consequences of driving around with a dirty, or clogged, filter:
- Reduced Engine Performance: The engine air filter plays a crucial role in ensuring that clean air reaches the engine for combustion. A dirty air filter restricts the airflow, leading to a rich air-fuel mixture. This can result in reduced engine performance, sluggish acceleration, and a decrease in overall power.
- Decreased Fuel Efficiency: When the air filter is clogged with dirt and debris, the engine has to work harder to draw in air. This increased effort can lead to a higher fuel-to-air ratio, causing the engine to burn more fuel than necessary. The end result is decreased fuel efficiency and lower miles per gallon (MPG).
- Increased Emissions: A dirty air filter can contribute to increased emissions because the engine is not burning fuel as efficiently as it should. This can lead to a higher level of pollutants being released into the environment, potentially causing your vehicle to fail emissions tests.
- Potential Engine Damage: In severe cases, a dirty air filter can allow contaminants to enter the engine cylinders. This can lead to increased wear and tear on internal engine components, such as piston rings and cylinder walls. Over time, this can contribute to reduced engine efficiency and longevity.
- Negative Impact on Spark Plugs: A clogged air filter can affect the combustion process and lead to incomplete burning of fuel. This incomplete combustion can cause the spark plugs to foul more quickly, reducing their effectiveness and potentially leading to misfires.
- Increased Engine Heat: Restricting airflow to the engine can result in higher operating temperatures. Excessive heat can have detrimental effects on various engine components, including the possibility of overheating. Over time, this can contribute to accelerated wear and may lead to more frequent breakdowns.
- Engine Roughness and Stalling: A severely dirty air filter can cause irregularities in the combustion process, leading to engine roughness and even stalling. This is especially noticeable during idling or when the engine is under low-load conditions.
- Throttle Body and Mass Air Flow Sensor Issues: A dirty air filter can also impact other components in the air intake system, such as the throttle body and mass air flow (MAF) sensor. Accumulated dirt and debris can interfere with their proper functioning, leading to drivability issues and potential damage.
The point is, don’t do it. A clean air filter is essential for optimal engine performance. Purchase a quality air filter to ensure proper air intake, which contributes to fuel efficiency and engine longevity.
3. Spark Plugs
Invest in a set of new spark plugs. Did you know that spark plugs cost a couple bucks each? They’re so cheap! And, fresh spark plugs can improve combustion efficiency, leading to better fuel mileage and smoother engine operation. Check out these signs that you need to replace your spark plugs. They also play a role in preventing misfires and reducing stress on the ignition system.
If you’ve got a car where you don’t have to dismantle the entire engine to get to them, change out your spark plugs every 25k-50k miles.
4. Transmission Fluid Change
Now, this one might be a bit controversial. After all, Scotty Kilmer recommends NOT changing your transmission fluid, especially if you never have changed it!
But, if you keep up with it, and if your car is due for a transmission fluid change (every 30k – 60k miles), use part of your budget for high-quality transmission fluid. Keeping the transmission fluid clean and at the right level is vital for smooth shifting and overall transmission health.
5. Coolant Flush
Purchase coolant and perform a coolant flush if it’s been a while. Over time, coolant can break down and lose its effectiveness in preventing engine overheating. A proper coolant flush can help maintain the engine’s temperature regulation.
Did you know it’s important to use the right type of coolant (sometimes called antifreeze)? That’s right, coolant interacts with various rubber seals and gaskets in the cooling system. Using the appropriate coolant helps ensure compatibility with these components, preventing deterioration, leaks, and potential engine damage. Asian and Domestic coolants may have different formulations, and using the right one is essential for maintaining the integrity of seals and gaskets.
6. Tire Maintenance
Allocate some funds for a tire pressure gauge and a tire inflator. Proper tire inflation not only improves fuel efficiency but also enhances overall safety and extends tire life. Regularly check and adjust tire pressures according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Extended Tire Life
Uneven tire wear is a common consequence of improper tire pressure. Underinflated tires tend to wear more on the outer edges, while overinflated tires wear more in the center. Both scenarios result in premature tire wear.
By maintaining the correct tire pressure, you ensure that the tire wears evenly across the tread. This extends the overall life of the tires, saving you money on frequent replacements.
Prevention of Blowouts
Underinflated tires generate more heat during driving, and excessive heat can lead to tire failure, including blowouts. Properly inflated tires dissipate heat more effectively, reducing the risk of blowouts and sudden tire failures.
Optimal Suspension and Handling
Proper tire pressure contributes to the vehicle’s overall suspension system. When tires are correctly inflated, they provide a more stable and comfortable ride.
Additionally, maintaining the recommended tire pressure helps ensure that the vehicle’s alignment remains within specifications. Proper alignment reduces unnecessary stress on various components, including the suspension and steering systems, promoting longevity.
7. Brake Fluid Check and Top-Up
Brake fluid is crucial for proper brake system operation. Check your brake fluid level and top it up if needed. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, and maintaining the right level ensures effective braking and prevents corrosion in the brake system.
An effective way to start flushing your brake system is to use a turkey baster. Yeah, you read that right. Suck out as much fluid from the brake reservoir as possible. Then top it off with fresh brake fluid. Drive for a while and repeat. This isn’t as good as doing a full brake bleed, but it should help to remove some of the moisture from your brake fluid.
8. Battery Maintenance
Invest in a battery cleaner, anti-corrosion washers and corrosion-resistant spray. Keeping the battery terminals clean and corrosion-free helps ensure a reliable starting system. It’s a simple task that can prevent starting issues and extend the life of your battery.
9. Drive Belt Inspection
Allocate some funds for a new drive (serpentine) belt if yours is showing signs of wear. The drive belt is crucial for powering various engine components, such as the alternator, AC compressor, and power steering pump. A well-maintained drive belt helps prevent unexpected breakdowns.
Over time, the drive belt can wear out due to factors such as friction, heat, and exposure to the elements. It may develop cracks, fraying, or glazing. Signs of wear are visible during a visual inspection. If you notice any damage, it’s a clear indication that the drive belt needs attention.
By proactively addressing signs of wear on the drive belt, you enhance the overall reliability of your vehicle. This is particularly important for components like the alternator, as a functioning alternator is vital for keeping the battery charged and the electrical systems operational.
A well-maintained drive belt not only prevents breakdowns but also contributes to the extended lifespan of connected engine components. When these components receive consistent and reliable power, they experience less stress and wear, promoting longevity.
Replacing a worn drive belt proactively can prevent more significant issues, such as alternator failure or engine overheating, which could lead to expensive repairs.
Extending Vehicle Life – Final Thoughts
This was useful for me to think about. While $100 may not cover all these tasks at once, prioritizing them based on your vehicle’s specific needs can make a significant difference over time.
I hope you found this to be a fun exercise. By the way, what did I miss? I’m sure there’s something, but I can’t put my finger on it. Let me know in the comments.
Have a good one, and here’s to the next 100k miles!
Practical Mechanic 