The life of your vehicle is determined by the maintenance that you carry out on it and how well you drive it. Many new cars are serviced regularly in order to ensure that the warranty is valid. Unfortunately, as soon as the warranty has come to an end, cars are too often neglected. There are some really basic things that you can do to prolong the life of your car and with the help of the manual they are incredibly simple to do yourself.

All cars have a maintenance schedule. The cars servicing will usually cover any maintenance jobs but some things should be looked at more often. For example topping up the antifreeze/coolant and topping up or changing the oil. In order to do this correctly, check the manual, which will have details of the specific requirements your car has.

Synthetic oils are the best choice for your car because they are a higher quality, however they are more expensive. Having said that, because they are better quality and more specifically tailored to your engine type, they cause less wear on the working parts such as the pistons. In the long term synthetic oil will save you money.

Other fluids that need to be checked regularly are transmission fluid, brake fluid and in some cars, power steering fluid. All of these are quite simple to check and top up by the owner, using the car manual. Another fairly simple job to do is changing the air filter. It is important to seek help from a mechanic if you are at all unsure of what you are doing.

Another way to prolong the life of your car is how and when you drive it. Pulling away gently and driving carefully means that your car can reach its optimal operating temperature. Although a seemingly simple thing, it means that the engine is not over working itself. Also avoiding potholes and kerbs can keep your tyres and suspension in good condition.

If you are the type of person that drives everywhere, you may be damaging your car. Short journeys can have a detrimental effect on the battery, engine and exhaust manifold. On longer journeys, the car actually performs better. The battery recharges and the car reaches its optimal temperature. Short journeys do not allow the temperature to get high enough and condensation can build up in your exhaust manifold, causing rust. It might be worth thinking how you can reduce the short journeys as this will prolong your car's life.

Tyres are also important. Proper maintenance can ensure that you are getting the best performance from your vehicle. Properly inflated tyres ensure that you are not straining the car in any way. Checking brake pads before they wear out helps to avoid costly bills. It may be an idea to rotate your tyres, so that you do not wear them unevenly. This can prolong the life of your tyres.

So in conclusion, maintain your car properly, drive it sensibly, consult a professional if you are unsure about anything and your car will last a lot longer!