100,000 miles used to be the endurance goal for cars. Now it's at least double that. But squeezing maximum life out of your ride at minimum cost requires paying attention. Here are several tricks we've learned.
The first is obvious: Do your scheduled maintenance, just like it says in the owner's manual. But once you get past 100,000 miles, also consider replacing some things that might not be spelled out, like transmission fluid and filter, even if they’re considered “lifetime” products.
Next, use your senses, all of them. Listen for funny sounds and look under your car to see if anything's leaking. Even your nose can help -- sniff the dipstick. If you smell gasoline, that's a problem.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Finally, avoid short trips. Starting up the car without letting it get hot -- like by pulling forward into the garage two hours after you parked in front of the door -- is a recipe for short engine life.
Take a look at more tips for making your car run forever.
-
Waiting to Retire to Give to Charity? 3 Reasons to Do It NowYou could wait until retirement, but making charitable giving part of your financial plan now could be far more beneficial for you and the causes you support.
-
Are You Ghosting Your Finances? What to Do About Money StressAvoidance can make things worse. You can change your habits by starting small, talking with a family member or friend and being consistent and persistent.
-
Stocks Keep Climbing as Fed Meeting Nears: Stock Market TodayA stale inflation report and improving consumer sentiment did little to shift expectations for a rate cut next week.
-
How Big Should My Emergency Fund Be?Feature NFL linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland discusses the importance of building an emergency fund.
-
Homeowners Insurance: How to Protect Your HomeBrandon Copeland NFL linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland discusses the ins and outs of homeowners insurance.
-
The "Real" Cost of Buying a CarFeature Atlanta Falcons linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland illustrates how car prices are far more than meets the eye.
-
How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Family VacationBrandon Copeland Atlanta Falcons linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland provides tips on how to go on vacation without breaking the bank.
-
The Great Resignation: How to Quit Your Job With ConfidenceBrandon Copeland Atlanta Falcons linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland provides tips on how to properly quit your job and upgrade your career.
-
How to Achieve Your 2022 New Year's ResolutionsBrandon Copeland You've already made your New Year's resolutions. Atlanta Falcons linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland explains how you can stick with them and accomplish them.
-
Santa's End-of-the-Year Finance TipsFeature Atlanta Falcons linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland shares a few ways you can improve your finances before 2022 gets here.
-
Planning Your Child's Financial FutureFeature Atlanta Falcons linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland talks about ways to set your child up with a strong financial foundation.
