Maintenance tips that will extend the life of your car

During the break-in period

During the break-in period, Don't idle your car, Drive carefully, Purchase gas at reputable service stations, Go easy when you're stuck, Choose a good car insurer, Clean the dash gauge carefully, Protect door and window seals, Fix small windshield chips, Change engine oil frequently, Use wheel cleaner, Don't add too much weight to your car roof, Protect your car's paintwork from the sun, Check your brake fluid

If you've bought a new car, keep your speed under 55 mph (88 km/h) or at the speed recommended by the car's manufacturer for the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) during the break-in period.

Don't idle your car

During the break-in period, Don't idle your car, Drive carefully, Purchase gas at reputable service stations, Go easy when you're stuck, Choose a good car insurer, Clean the dash gauge carefully, Protect door and window seals, Fix small windshield chips, Change engine oil frequently, Use wheel cleaner, Don't add too much weight to your car roof, Protect your car's paintwork from the sun, Check your brake fluid

Idling your car for long periods can overheat the engine.

Drive carefully

During the break-in period, Don't idle your car, Drive carefully, Purchase gas at reputable service stations, Go easy when you're stuck, Choose a good car insurer, Clean the dash gauge carefully, Protect door and window seals, Fix small windshield chips, Change engine oil frequently, Use wheel cleaner, Don't add too much weight to your car roof, Protect your car's paintwork from the sun, Check your brake fluid

Taking care not to hit the tire against the curb when parking, avoiding potholes and fast starts, stops, and turns when driving can extend the life of your tires. 

Purchase gas at reputable service stations

During the break-in period, Don't idle your car, Drive carefully, Purchase gas at reputable service stations, Go easy when you're stuck, Choose a good car insurer, Clean the dash gauge carefully, Protect door and window seals, Fix small windshield chips, Change engine oil frequently, Use wheel cleaner, Don't add too much weight to your car roof, Protect your car's paintwork from the sun, Check your brake fluid

Some stations don't have pump filters or water down their gasoline and diesel fuel, so it's better to fill up at a reputable service station to avoid damaging your engine with contaminants.

Go easy when you're stuck

During the break-in period, Don't idle your car, Drive carefully, Purchase gas at reputable service stations, Go easy when you're stuck, Choose a good car insurer, Clean the dash gauge carefully, Protect door and window seals, Fix small windshield chips, Change engine oil frequently, Use wheel cleaner, Don't add too much weight to your car roof, Protect your car's paintwork from the sun, Check your brake fluid

If your car is stuck in the mud or snow, don't repeatedly change from forward to reverse and spin the tires at high speeds, as this can damage the transmission or clutch. 

Choose a good car insurer

During the break-in period, Don't idle your car, Drive carefully, Purchase gas at reputable service stations, Go easy when you're stuck, Choose a good car insurer, Clean the dash gauge carefully, Protect door and window seals, Fix small windshield chips, Change engine oil frequently, Use wheel cleaner, Don't add too much weight to your car roof, Protect your car's paintwork from the sun, Check your brake fluid

Having a good car insurer means that if you get into an accident, they will pay for parts from the vehicle's manufacturer and guarantee authorized repairs.

Clean the dash gauge carefully

During the break-in period, Don't idle your car, Drive carefully, Purchase gas at reputable service stations, Go easy when you're stuck, Choose a good car insurer, Clean the dash gauge carefully, Protect door and window seals, Fix small windshield chips, Change engine oil frequently, Use wheel cleaner, Don't add too much weight to your car roof, Protect your car's paintwork from the sun, Check your brake fluid

Use a soft, damp cloth to lightly clean the plastic that covers the instrument cluster. Too much pressure could cause scratches and make it difficult to read the gauges.

Protect door and window seals

During the break-in period, Don't idle your car, Drive carefully, Purchase gas at reputable service stations, Go easy when you're stuck, Choose a good car insurer, Clean the dash gauge carefully, Protect door and window seals, Fix small windshield chips, Change engine oil frequently, Use wheel cleaner, Don't add too much weight to your car roof, Protect your car's paintwork from the sun, Check your brake fluid

Apply a rubber protectant on door and window weatherstripping to keep it in good condition. 

Fix small windshield chips

During the break-in period, Don't idle your car, Drive carefully, Purchase gas at reputable service stations, Go easy when you're stuck, Choose a good car insurer, Clean the dash gauge carefully, Protect door and window seals, Fix small windshield chips, Change engine oil frequently, Use wheel cleaner, Don't add too much weight to your car roof, Protect your car's paintwork from the sun, Check your brake fluid

If you notice a chip or crack in your windshield, take your car to a repair shop. Cracks can spread quickly and limit your ability to see on the road. It also costs far less to repair a chip than your whole windshield.

Change engine oil frequently

During the break-in period, Don't idle your car, Drive carefully, Purchase gas at reputable service stations, Go easy when you're stuck, Choose a good car insurer, Clean the dash gauge carefully, Protect door and window seals, Fix small windshield chips, Change engine oil frequently, Use wheel cleaner, Don't add too much weight to your car roof, Protect your car's paintwork from the sun, Check your brake fluid

Frequently changing engine oil flushes abrasive dirt and metal particles out of the engine, prolonging its life.

Use wheel cleaner

During the break-in period, Don't idle your car, Drive carefully, Purchase gas at reputable service stations, Go easy when you're stuck, Choose a good car insurer, Clean the dash gauge carefully, Protect door and window seals, Fix small windshield chips, Change engine oil frequently, Use wheel cleaner, Don't add too much weight to your car roof, Protect your car's paintwork from the sun, Check your brake fluid

Dust can wear away brake pads, so it's important to wash your wheels frequently. Be sure to use the correct formulation of cleaner, as some are designed for metal and others for painted or clear-coated wheels.

Don't add too much weight to your car roof

During the break-in period, Don't idle your car, Drive carefully, Purchase gas at reputable service stations, Go easy when you're stuck, Choose a good car insurer, Clean the dash gauge carefully, Protect door and window seals, Fix small windshield chips, Change engine oil frequently, Use wheel cleaner, Don't add too much weight to your car roof, Protect your car's paintwork from the sun, Check your brake fluid

Never exceed your car's roof weight limits, as this will protect against wear and tear on your car. You can find the specifications in the vehicle owner's manual.

Protect your car's paintwork from the sun

During the break-in period, Don't idle your car, Drive carefully, Purchase gas at reputable service stations, Go easy when you're stuck, Choose a good car insurer, Clean the dash gauge carefully, Protect door and window seals, Fix small windshield chips, Change engine oil frequently, Use wheel cleaner, Don't add too much weight to your car roof, Protect your car's paintwork from the sun, Check your brake fluid

The sun's UV rays can break down paint and cause it to fade, so it's best to park your car in a garage or in the shade. If that's not possible, you could purchase a car cover.

Check your brake fluid

During the break-in period, Don't idle your car, Drive carefully, Purchase gas at reputable service stations, Go easy when you're stuck, Choose a good car insurer, Clean the dash gauge carefully, Protect door and window seals, Fix small windshield chips, Change engine oil frequently, Use wheel cleaner, Don't add too much weight to your car roof, Protect your car's paintwork from the sun, Check your brake fluid

Check your brake fluid monthly. If it needs topping up, don't use brake fluid from a previously opened container, as once exposed to air, it absorbs moisture and contaminates easily.

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