The average age of cars on the road is now over 11 years. Your Dodge could run for even longer than this if you keep it in top condition with some simple maintenance.
Car maintenance doesn’t have to take hours every week, nor does it cost a lot. However, looking after your car could extend your Dodge life span by several years.
From changing fluids to driving differently according to the season, there are plenty of ways you can make sure your Dodge sails past the 11-year mark without showing signs of aging.
8 EASY WAYS TO EXTEND YOUR DODGE LIFE SPAN
Keep your vehicle in tip-top condition with these easy car maintenance tips. They’ll not only add to the life span of your car but will also ensure your vehicle remains safe on the road.
1. CHECK YOUR TIRE PRESSURE
Make sure your tire pressure is correct for your Dodge model. Each one varies slightly, so read your owner manual to find the right pressure required.
Driving on tires with low pressure causes too much of your tire to contact with the road. This increases friction and drag, putting additional strain on the engine.
If your tire pressure is too high, you’ll experience excessive tread wear on the center line of each tire. This increases the risk of an accident as your tires lose their ability to grip the road safely.
Remember to rotate your tires regularly, too. This makes sure your tires wear evenly over time to improve the performance of your car.
Finally, remember to check your tire depth. A good trick is to insert a penny into the depth. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head when the penny is in the tread, you need to replace your tires as soon as possible.
2. REPLACE WIPER BLADES BEFORE THEY FAIL
Check your wiper blades regularly. As soon as you see small tears in them, replace the blade.
Your wiper blades are the only route to a clear view of the road at all times. The worst thing that can happen is your blades sticking or failing in the middle of a downpour, hailstorm, or snow.
In icy conditions, always make sure the windshield is clear of ice and your blades can move freely before you switch them on. Otherwise, you risk ripping the blades off entirely – you could even damage the wiper mechanism, which is costly to replace.
3. GET A SERVICE EVERY YEAR
Book a regular service every year, and a full service every few years, to maintain the condition of your Dodge.
Servicing should be done at least every year: if you live in a region with extreme seasonal temperatures, consider a six-monthly service instead. The temperature changes can have adverse effects on your vehicle, such as expediting the wear on weatherproof seals.
A service means your fluids and filters are changed, your engine is tuned, and any potential problems get spotted before they turn into huge issues. It’ll help your engine to run smoothly and efficiently, reducing wear over time.
4. KEEP YOUR DODGE CLEAN
A clean and shiny car doesn’t just look good! Waxing your paintwork takes some effort but it helps to protect against bad weather. Chipped paint, bird droppings, and mud can all add to the risk of rust and corrosion on the metalwork.
A regular wash and wax protects your paintwork and also reduces build-up of grime in the wheels, engine, and interior. Salt used on the road, for example, can build up under your vehicle and corrode parts of your car over time.
5. PARK IN A GARAGE OR SHADED AREAS
You can also protect your paintwork and interiors by parking your car inside whenever possible. If you must park outside, pick a shady area.
Sunlight can degrade the paint on your car over time, and also fade the interior upholstery. This not only makes the car look shabby when it’s time to sell it, but degraded paint can also be a gateway for rust and corrosion.
6. KEEP YOUR ENGINE FLUIDS TOPPED UP
Check your engine coolant, oil, brake fluid, and washer fluid regularly. Running low on any of these fluids will, at best, put extra pressure on your engine. At worst, your engine could seize up entirely.
Check your fluids at least once a month. Make a note over time how quickly they run low; you’ll soon notice if this starts happening more quickly, signifying a potential leak. Spot the problem early and it’s easy to fix – later on, it could be a much more costly issue.
7. CHECK YOUR LIGHTS REGULARLY
Always make sure your lights are working before you drive at night. It’s an offense to drive without the minimum lights working on your car – do you really want to get pulled over and fined?
Lights also help extend the life of your Dodge because of the safety element they offer. Broken lights reduce the visibility of your car at night, increasing the risk of an accident.
8. FOLLOW SEASON-APPROPRIATE DRIVING HABITS
Good driving habits help to extend the life of your vehicle at no extra cost.
Simple tips, such as driving as smoothly as possible instead of stop-start movements, will extend the engine life.
Seasonal driving habits matter, too. In winter, add snow tires if you’re faced with icy conditions. This will reduce the stress on your engine and improve the safety of your vehicle.
In icy weather, run your engine to warm it up before driving. This will ensure the oil isn’t thick: the heat from the engine helps it to flow more easily, reducing strain on the engine.
In the summer, high temperatures increase the risk of a tire blowout. Pay attention to your tire pressures to counter this risk and improve engine efficiency.
BOOK A DETAILED SERVICE NOW
These tips will help you to extend your Dodge life by years. However, the best thing you can do to bring your car up to top-notch condition is to book a full service.
A full service is needed every few years and is more in-depth than a standard annual service. Everything from air filters to tire treads is checked to ensure your Dodge keeps running smoothly for years to come.
Book your service with our experienced team today!
