If I were to get a new car, what is everything I need to know to preserve it as much as possible over the years?

Posted by Tiger_Strength@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 19 comments

Hello. Read the title please.

I think this is important life advice for me and I am making sure I am not missing anything important.

Thank you.

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optigrabz@reddit

#1 tip as a new car owner to make a car last——— Learn how to check your oil. Read a book about it, watch a YouTube video, have your uncle show you- just learn it. Make it a habit that you check it regularly.

Eventually your car will start burning some oil in between oil changes. The people who learned how to check the oil can still get a lifetime of service from this engine. The people who ignore this condition will likely see early engine failure.

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ohdeargodwhyme@reddit

Keep it clean and follow the scheduled service plan.

Just taking care of the car will keep its value a bit better.

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chefshoes@reddit

service every 10-15k miles. dont get cheap tyres or pads, dont modify it, dont drive it like a lunatic.. rev the shit out of it at your peril.

essentially treat it like your baby.. and you will go a long way to have a long living friend

oh and dont get a wetbelt engine

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alltheblues@reddit

Pick a reliable car. Naturally aspirated (meaning no turbos or superchargers) Toyota or Honda is the most stereotypical, cautious answer. With the following advice, most cars will last for a long time, but some will of course last longer than others.

Service it on schedule, maybe even ahead of schedule for some items. Talking stuff like oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brakes, tires, and other consumables and wear items. The manufacturer will have an official servicing schedule, but the greater owner community often has advice for additional things that should be done, or for things that don’t matter as much. If you live in a place or regularly drive where they apply salt to the roads, undercoat it yearly. Keep it clean.

Take care of it when driving. Drive gently for a bit so the engine can warm up. Don’t beat it up when driving (going too fast over speed bump and potholes, hitting curbs, etc.).

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unpolire@reddit

Ceramic coat or PPF the exterior surfaces. Regularly apply tire protective to both inner and outer sidewalls, not the tread, to prevent ozone damage. Don't forget to treat your spare. Apply Scotchgard fabric protector to fabric upholstery to prevent stains and repel dirt. Use Leather Conditioner on your interior leather. Keep your tires properly inflated and rotate in accordance with the guidelines in the Owner's Manual. Service your vehicle exactly as outlined in the Owner's manual.

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VW-MB-AMC@reddit

Follow the maintenance schedule.

Keep it washed and waxed.

Fix problems when they show up, and don't run things into the ground.

Keep the tires properly inflated.

Drive sensibly.

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SpaceCat72@reddit

Pick a reliable brand. Do the research. Treat it well. Maintenance the vehicle on a severe duty schedule. Garage it if possible.

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lunchbox651@reddit

Service it to schedule. Don't cheap out on maintenance. Don't leave it for weeks/months without driving it. Clean it regularly (inside and out)

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Tiger_Strength@reddit (OP)

"Service it to schedule."

Can you please explain this?

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impaelas@reddit

Service intervals are there to get the car to the end of it's warranty period. If you want to drive it for years past that point make oil change intervals shorter (10k km). "Lifetime" for car maker doesn't mean 20 years.

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lunchbox651@reddit

Sure thing.

When buying a car you will have a service booklet which says when it needs to be serviced, both major and minor services. A good way to shorten the life of a vehicle is ignoring them and doing a service thousands of km/miles late.

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avoid hard driving when the engine is cold
keep tires properly inflated
wash the car regularly (especially underneath)
use quality parts and fluids
follow the owner’s manual maintenance schedule

Most cars today can easily last 200k+ miles if they’re maintained properly. Neglect is what usually kills them early.

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mattkime@reddit

Do you intend to drive it or is it a museum piece?

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Tiger_Strength@reddit (OP)

I intend to drive it of course.