How to Extend the Life of Your Cheap Used Car
It’s not unusual these days for cars to make it past 200,000 miles or more when taken care of properly. A lot of people like to trade in their cheap used cars after a year or two but if you continue to drive your car for a long time after it’s paid off you can save about $30,000 or more. Just think about all the things you could do with an extra $30,000!
Thanks in part to numerous advances in motor oil and other engine technology features you may not need to change the oil in your car every 3,000 miles anymore. In fact, according to Consumer Reports, most newer vehicles driven today under normal conditions can go 7,500 miles or more between oil changes. Of course, normal conditions is rather vague and it’s hard to know whether most drivers will fall under this category.
To find out the recommended schedule for your vehicle be sure to check the owner’s manual. It should contain a maintenance schedule that explains how often you should change the oil as well as other fluids that keep your car running smoothly. It should also tell you when to change other parts such as hoses, tires, filters, belts, and spark plugs. Sticking to this schedule will pay off in the long run when you can continue to drive your car years after the loan has been paid off.