It’s good to keep an eye on those small expenses that can add up to a small fortune. But it’s better to keep an eye on those large expenses that are essentially an instantaneous large fortune. For instance, while preparing your own lunch to save money on eating out is good, but it’s even better to ensure you’re not overspending on large expenses, such as your vehicle. One of the best ways to do this is to make your car last longer. You’ll get much more value from your vehicle if it lasts eight years rather than five years.

This blog will look at some useful tips for doing just that.

Buy a good car

Your car will last much longer if it is a good car, to begin with. If you buy a dud, it doesn’t matter what else you do — that set of wheels is probably not going to last as long as you’d like it to. Most people think that to buy a good car; you need to buy a new vehicle. But that’s not the case — and in fact, it’s probably not the best option for your finances anyway. There are plenty of great second-hand car dealers you can buy from, though it’s also worthwhile conducting your own investigations to ensure the car is a good one.

Look after it

Think of your smartphone. If you tossed it around, didn’t use a screen cover, and generally showed a lack of care, you wouldn’t expect it to last too long. The same applies to your car. If you’re not treating it well, then it’s inevitable that you’ll need to replace it earlier than you’d like. Looking after your car isn’t all that difficult. Have a regular cleaning schedule, keep it in a carport to protect it from the elements, and read the owner’s manual to understand what it needs. Putting in a little effort can go a long way towards extending the lifespan of your vehicle.

Drive the car well

Your car isn’t a toy. If you run it ragged, it’ll be more likely to suffer wear and tear. So it’s a good idea to look at how you’re driving and make sure that it’s conducive to keeping your car in good condition. There’s another advantage of this, too — you’ll find that you improve your MPG rate, which means you’ll have more time between trips to the petrol pump.

Handle problems

Finally, be sure to handle any problems you may have as soon as possible. It’s sometimes easy to ignore minor car issues, but the truth is that, unlike the human body, they’re not going to fix themselves. If you sense that something is wrong with your vehicle, pay a trip to the mechanic. Indeed, it can be a good idea to proactively visit a mechanic, who can assess the vehicle and take care of any issues that may become bigger problems in the future.