The secret to getting 400,000 km out of your car

It actually is possible, however, to get that odometer to flip over to nearly twice that at 400,000 km.

Making your vehicle last as long as possible is clearly a smart move.

That’s particularly true in today’s wobbling economy.

So what is the secret of getting long service from a car? Use plain old common sense.

Follow the maintenance schedule. Sounds like a no-brainer right?

Except that many people don’t, and this is where a few hundred dollars’ worth of prevention each year can stave off thousands in repairs.

Furthermore, not following the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule can void your warranty.

If you fail to have the minimum required service done and a warranty part fails, the dealer and manufacturer can deny your claim.

Your owner’s manual details what you should do and when, or you can check with the service centre at your dealership.

One trick to help you remember is to figure out how many kilometres you drive a month on average, and then make a note on your calendar when you’re scheduled to hit your next recommended servicing.

These maintenance schedules work for vehicles getting normal use, but driving in Bermuda where we take frequent short trips with a lot of stopping and starting puts extra stress on your vehicle, and may require shortening the normal maintenance cycle.

You should budget $500 to $1,000 a year or more for maintenance, depending on the age and type of car.

Also, keep a file of everything you’ve done to and for your car.

Not only does that help you track when maintenance is due, but having the records can also help boost the resale value.

Be diligent about oil changes. Change the oil and oil filter every 5,000 to 8,000 km in the unique driving conditions of Bermuda.

In addition with every oil change, check the fluids, belts, tyre tread and hoses.

If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, these chores add just a few minutes to the job.

If you’re paying somebody else, these inspections may be included, or you can pay a few bucks extra to have them done.

Keep a vigilant eye on your vehicle’s wellbeing. This includes opening your hood periodically and checking on the car parts hidden inside.

You probably don’t see that part of your vehicle very often so you may not notice odd odours and exhausts or unusual sights and sounds going on in there.

You may also want to check for abnormally exposed wires, worn hoses and liquid leaks.

In addition, wipe the battery and its terminals clean with a damp towel and check for corrosion, cracks or bulges.

Your engine will most likely be dirty, but make sure that is isn’t too layered with oil.

If it is, then it’s probably time to get your vehicle serviced. Remember that these seemingly small issues are usually the early symptoms of your vehicle getting more serious problems. So don’t ignore anything if you truly care about your car.

Keep it clean and waxed. Regularly removing the grime helps protect the exterior, as does a regular waxing.

With Bermuda’s humid and salty air, this is important to prevent rust and other damage.

Drive defensively. Assuming your vehicle doesn’t get totalled, it will never be the same after it’s been in a major accident, and its useful life can be shortened significantly.

So slow down and pay attention at all times. That includes no phone calls or texting while you drive.

If your car is unsound or uneconomical, replacing it can be sensible.

But if you can be content with something functional but not necessary glamorous, you might be surprised to find how long it will last.

For more information on automotive maintenance, contact Krishna King at Bermuda Motors on 292-0893 or [email protected].