Your car's life expectancy varies a lot whether you treat it well or badly. We summed up 7 tips that, if followed, will extend the life of your car.
Break-in Period: Tolerance
There's a break-in period after your car is bought, and that period lasts about 1000 kilometers. During that period you should maintain the car running at the recommended speed - these recommendations are on the manufacturer's paperwork.
You should also avoid putting your car under stress, such as runs during heavy rain or traffic where the car can sit in the same spot for hours. This will help your car last longer.
Drive with Care: Defensive Driving
Making defensive driving your everyday modus operandi while in your car will ensure that the car's components endure less stress and that its "life expectancy" grows.
Drive with care, don't put too much strain on the brakes or on the engine, don't push the steering and don't exaggerate if you want to keep your car running smoothly for years to come.
Petrol / Gas Supply: Cheaper doesn't mean it
Sometimes getting cheap petrol / gas at non-reputed petrol stations means that your car misses a lot of additives or gets some chemicals and residue that it shouldn't get. Make sure to supply your car with gas that is from trustworthy companies and reputed service providers - you are what you eat and cars aren't different.
If you get stuck: Have Patience.
If you get stuck in mud, snow or a pointy situation you will be tempted to force the hardware in your vehicle so you can avoid the trouble of getting help and that entire mess. Don't do it. If you get stuck in a place and you see the car won't budge, call for help before damaging any car component. There's no shame in getting help and it will save you money and your vehicle as well.
Don't put too much weight on the ignition.
There are some car keys that are in key chains, and sometimes those key chains can be pretty crowded with other keys, making the whole set heavy.
If this happens the ignition will be put under a lot of strain and you'll damage it over time - something you have to avoid.
Get good car insurance.
This is a given, your car will last much longer if it has good vehicle insurance, assistance and all that comes with that service.
Don't be afraid to pay a little more if you think the whole package is worth it and don't be afraid to ask for help from the insurance provider - that's why they are there.
Don't store your car outside.
They didn't "invent" garages to spare the paint. Being outside all year around really takes its toll on vehicles, and you should definitely ease the burden by keeping your car under a roof.