How to keep your car as long as possible?

Comment garder sa voiture le plus longtemps possible ?

Do you want to extend the life of your vehicle while controlling your budget?

This comprehensive guide covers the essentials to maximize the longevity of your car:

  • Interior and exterior protection with Autointact covers
  • Key checkpoints to watch out for
  • Choosing a trusted garage
  • The importance of the maintenance log
  • Tips to reduce maintenance costs

Discover our expert advice for keeping your vehicle in perfect condition and preserving its resale value.

The importance of regular maintenance

Did you know that a well-maintained car can last up to 2 times longer than a neglected vehicle? Regular maintenance not only saves on costly repairs but also keeps passengers safe.

Scrupulously following the maintenance logbook is not just a recommendation: it is your best insurance against unexpected breakdowns . The manufacturer's recommendations are established based on thousands of hours of testing and analysis. An experienced mechanic will carry out a complete check including:

  • Checking and adjusting coolant levels to prevent engine overheating
  • Checking engine oil , essential for lubrication and protection against wear
  • Brake fluid inspection to ensure optimal braking in all situations

Don't neglect tire pressure : a difference of just 0.5 bar can increase your fuel consumption by 2.4% and reduce their lifespan by 20%. As for brake pads , their regular wear directly affects your safety on the road.

Expert Tip: Mark your interview dates in your phone with scheduled reminders. You'll never miss an important review again.

Maintenance schedule according to the type of engine

Comparative maintenance table by mileage

Intervention Essence Diesel Electric
Engine oil change Every 15,000 km Every 20,000 km Not applicable
Oil filter At each oil change At each oil change Not applicable
Air filter 30,000 km 40,000 km Not applicable
Spark plugs 60,000 km Not applicable Not applicable
Timing belt 90,000 km or 5 years 120,000 km or 5 years Not applicable
Brake fluid Every 2 years Every 2 years Every 2 years
Coolant 60,000 km 60,000 km 60,000 km
Battery check Annual Annual Complete diagnosis every 30,000 km
Tires (rotation) 10,000 km 10,000 km 10,000 km
Air conditioning Every 2 years Every 2 years Every 2 years

Specificities by motorization

Gasoline vehicles:

  • Check spark plugs every 20,000 km
  • Cleaning the injection system every 30,000 km
  • Oil Consumption Monitoring

Diesel vehicles:

  • Replace the diesel filter every 20,000 km
  • Check the DPF (Particulate Filter) every 30,000 km
  • Cleaning the EGR valves every 60,000 km

Electric vehicles:

  • Annual battery diagnosis (autonomy and capacity)
  • Checking the battery cooling system
  • Check electrical components every 20,000 km
  • Regular software update

Monthly Self-Inspection Checklist

Visual checks:

  • Engine oil level (except electric)
  • Tire condition and pressure
  • How the lights work
  • Windshield washer fluid level

Sound checks:

  • Unusual noises when starting
  • Squeaking noises when braking
  • Clicking while driving

Behavioral controls:

  • Steering (steering wheel play)
  • Braking efficiency
  • Starts and accelerations
  • Abnormal vibrations

Specific checks for electric vehicles:

  • Maximum charge state
  • Recharge time
  • Actual vs. displayed autonomy
  • How regenerative braking works

Preventive maintenance: invest today to save tomorrow

Did you know that 80% of major breakdowns could be avoided with proper preventive maintenance? Here are the essential interventions that can save you thousands of euros:

Regular oil changes are the lifeblood of your engine. Degraded oil can reduce the life of your engine by half. For less than €100 every 15,000 km, you protect an engine that is worth several thousand.

Preventive replacement of the timing belt is crucial: if it breaks, it is often the end of your engine. A scheduled intervention costs around €500, compared to more than €3000 for a damaged engine.

Maintaining your air conditioning system isn't just about comfort: poorly maintained air conditioning increases your fuel consumption by 15% and can lead to respiratory problems.

Choosing the right professional: the criteria that make the difference

In the jungle of auto garages , here's how to recognize a trustworthy professional:

  • Check customer reviews on multiple platforms
  • Ask if the garage uses genuine parts (they last on average 3 times longer than generic parts)
  • Make sure it has recent electronic diagnostics (essential for modern vehicles)

A good garage will offer you transparent maintenance packages and explain each service to you. Expect to pay between £150 and £400 for a full service, depending on your model - a worthwhile investment when you consider that a major breakdown can cost upwards of £2,000.

Practical advice: Ask for a detailed quote and compare it with at least two other garages. Prices can vary from single to double for the same service!

Protect with a car cover

Autointact car covers offer a complete solution to protect your vehicle from external aggressions.

Custom made to fit your car model perfectly, these covers provide an effective barrier against scratches , corrosion and bad weather.

Custom car cover banner

For the passenger compartment , Autointact offers seat covers specially designed to withstand daily wear and tear while preserving passenger comfort. These protective solutions contribute significantly to maintaining the resale value of your vehicle.

Optimizing the maintenance budget

Smart maintenance management helps you control your budget while ensuring the longevity of your vehicle.

Compare the different packages offered by garages and anticipate major servicing. A maintenance contract can also be an interesting solution to smooth out costs over the year.

By following these tips and investing in suitable protective equipment such as Autointact solutions, you will optimize the lifespan of your vehicle while preserving its value over time.

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