Jimmy Granger Ford Natchitoches

Jan 25, 2022
woman driving a car

Once you’ve visited your favorite Ford dealership in Natchitoches, LA, you want to do everything possible to extend the life of your vehicle. We’ve got some tips to help you make that car last longer.

Avoid Accelerating Fast

Pushing down the gas pedal doesn’t just waste fuel, but it also puts a lot of strain on your drivetrain. Accelerate moderately to avoid putting additional wear on your transmission and engine.

Turn While Moving

When you need to turn your wheels, make sure you’re moving it when you do it. This reduces the strain on your power steering, ball joints and tie rod ends. It also reduces the uneven wear on your tires.

Drive Often

You don’t want to let your car sit. Make sure you drive it once a week to keep the oil moving and maintain the battery charge.

Take Longer Trips

Short trips kill the engine because it never gets to heat up fully. Take some longer car rides and protect your vehicle.

Avoid Bumps

When you notice the bumps on the road, make sure you try to avoid them. This extends the life of your steering, shock absorbers and suspension.

Reduce the Weight

Try not to carry unnecessary items in your car. The weight hurts your fuel economy and isn’t good for your suspension. It also requires more braking power to stop you, which wears out your brakes faster.

Leave Space Between Vehicles

Try not to follow other cars too closely. Tailgating puts you in the way of flying debris and might cause dings to your vehicle or windshield.

If you do end up with chips or blemishes, make sure you have them repaired right away. Otherwise, you set yourself up for corrosion and peeling paint.

Use the Parking Brake

Allowing your automatic transmission vehicle to rest in Park damages the transmission. When you’re on a hill, you want to reduce the strain by using your parking brake. To do this properly, you’ll put the car in neutral and apply the brake. Then, you can shift it into Park.

We Care About Your Car

Whether you need new and used Ford cars in Natchitoches, LA or you require service, we are available to help you. Our expert staff and technicians understand your needs and provide you with everything you need to ensure your vehicle lasts a long time. Visit us at Jimmy Granger Ford in Natchitoches today.