More people are keeping their cars longer now that it’s a lot more expensive to buy a new one. And with all the old cars being driven around for ten, fifteen or more years, the wrecker market is also growing with more and better parts on the cheap.
While it is true that a new car will not need work for a few years, the number of those years will always depend on the driver and how they care for the machine. Remember that it’s a machine, with lots of moving parts, fluids and hoses. The entire assembly will not last forever, so be mindful of the things you have to change in order to keep your car on the road longer.
Fluids and Filters
When fluid stays too long in a vehicle, the poor thing suffers. This is the fastest way for a car to break down. Your vehicle’s manual and your mechanic can tell you when to replace certain fluids, but as your car ages, changing those fluids should be more frequent. The oil, the transmission fluid, the coolant, the brake fluid, etc. all need changing. Sometimes you have to flush them and have the parts repaired or replaced just to be sure they run like new. Filters need frequent replacement too as these parts keep your engine breathing; if the filters are clogged up with debris, the engine will have a more difficult time.
Belts
Engine timing belts in older cars are a bit on the expensive side, but it pays to check them constantly and replace them immediately before they fail. If they do fail, more mechanical work is needed, costing you more money. If you hear a squealing noise, an accessory or fan belt needs replacing.
Body Work
Dents are easy to repair, but don’t DIY them if you don’t have the experience or the tools. Bumper repairs in Auckland, for example, will cost less if you take them to the shop or your mechanic instead of forcing yourself to do them alone, possibly damaging other parts of the car.
Caring for an old car is more complicated and demanding, but it will cost less than buying a new car if you are a bit more proactive.