The average age of cars in Russia continues to grow, and for many owners, extending the life of their car has become an urgent practical task. New cars are expensive, and the choice of models is limited, so the usual replacement with a newer car is increasingly giving way to careful maintenance of the existing vehicle. Auto expert Tamashi Konstantin Ozhogin explained how to maximize the life of a car.
According to Ozhogin, one of the reasons for the aging of the car fleet is the increase in prices for new cars and loan costs, which forces people to postpone the purchase. The market for spare parts and brands has been adapting for several years, and owners are wary of unfamiliar models. As a result, most people are betting on an already proven car, investing in its maintenance rather than replacement.
The age of the car is not a problem in itself. A 15-20 year old car can be more reliable than a new one if it has been properly maintained. Prevention plays a key role: regular oil and filter changes are the basis of engine longevity. The same applies to coolant and brake fluids, as well as oils in the gearbox and transmission. Most serious breakdowns start with small things that were not noticed in time.
Corrosion is a particular danger for old cars. The Russian climate and winter reagents accelerate body wear. Chips, rusty spots and paint blisters should not be ignored: rust spreads imperceptibly, but destructively. Regular washing of the underbody after winter, checking drains in doors and sills, and updating anti-corrosion protection extend the life of the body for years.
The style of operation directly affects the life of the car. Frequent short trips, cold starts and sudden accelerations on an unheated engine accelerate wear and tear on components. Even infrequent use of the car requires regular trips in normal mode so that the engine, exhaust and transmission warm up to operating temperatures. For automatic transmissions and CVTs, it is important to avoid towing and sudden loads, especially in snow.
The age of the car requires increased attention to diagnostics. Electrical equipment, suspension, brakes and the charging system lose strength over time. Oxidized contacts, worn sensors and seals can cause unstable operation, but are eliminated by preventive inspection. Regular comprehensive checks are cheaper than sudden repairs.
From the point of view of costs, a strategy of stabilizing the condition is effective for old cars. Eliminating leaks, servicing cooling and braking systems, and replacing critically worn suspension components allow you to operate the car calmly and predictably. Properly functioning basic systems make the car more reliable and less expensive, Ozhogin notes.
Thus, the key to a long car life is timely maintenance, prevention and careful attention to operation, which can significantly extend the life of the car even at an advanced age.