Vehicles are expensive. Whether you purchase a gleaming new Chevy model or a used vehicle, you’ll spend anywhere from $5,000 to the lower six-digit range. After making that kind of investment, you probably want to know how best to protect it. Some of a vehicle’s longevity is determined by the make and model. So, before you purchase your next car, research its reliability ratings and choose a brand that has a reputation for building quality vehicles. Even if you have a durable model, there are things you should do to keep the wheels turning for 200,000 miles or more. Here are five tips for improving your vehicle’s lifespan.
If you’ve done your research, you know that Chevrolet vehicles are made of tough stuff and capable of impressive feats. However, besides the occasional back road joyride, we recommend that you avoid aggressive driving. Pushing your vehicle to its limit consistently can take a heavy toll on it. Avoid hard braking, excessive speed, and rapid acceleration (unless you just bought a Camaro. We know you won’t be able to resist testing its zero-to-sixty speed, but it’s probably best if pedal-to-the-metal takeoffs aren’t a regular thing).
You’ll be surprised how much of an impact something as simple as washing and waxing your car regularly can have. Built-up dirt and grime can be detrimental to your vehicle's paint job, and the paint job isn’t just a cosmetic layer. The deterioration of the paint job can allow the elements to rust and corrode the body of the vehicle. You should aim to wash your car at least once a month.
If you’re one of the people who wait until your oil light is on and a tell-tale knocking sound is coming from your engine before you get an oil change, you’re not alone. But that doesn’t mean it’s a good practice. Most people live very busy lives, and it’s hard to make time for things like oil and filter changes; however, it’s important to adhere to the maintenance schedule laid out in your owner’s manual. Make sure you’re sticking to your factory-recommended timeline and your car will thank you.
Yes, even the Chevrolet Silverado HD models have a limit to how much they can tow and haul. Before you hitch anything to the back of your car, truck, or SUV, make sure you know how much weight it can handle. Overloading your vehicle can put strain on your vehicle in multiple ways. For example, it can cause excessive heat in the steering gearbox, damaging the gear and other components. It can also cause your tires to run hotter and fail more often. It can even increase the risk of rollover. So, make sure you know your vehicle's max towing capacity and max payload capacity and adhere to those restrictions. If you’re not sure what those terms mean, check out our towing guide here.
If you use your parking brake whenever you park on a steep incline, good job. Now take it a step further. Most people don’t know that you should use it every time you park. Doing so protects your car in two ways. First, it keeps the cables and levers of the brake from rusting. Second, it relieves stress on your transmission. When you don’t use your parking brake, part or all of the weight of the car rests on the transmission, causing it to wear down faster. Since the transmission is an integral part of your vehicle, you’ll want to take measures to protect it. Just make sure you disengage the parking brake before you start driving.
While no car can last forever, using these tips will help you keep your wheels on the road as long as possible.