There are two items that can prove to be the largest purchases you will ever make in your lifetime— a house and a vehicle.

Depending on the vehicle, for instance the make, age, and condition of course. But that doesn’t mean you can’t extend the life of the vehicle by taking extra special care and precautions!

One of the easiest ways to extend the life of your Alaskan vehicle is to keep it clean! We shared a blog post on the Top 5 Reasons to Keep Your Car Clean here which include getting better gas mileage and we’re sharing a few more ideas for getting more use out of your vehicle below!

Read the Owner’s Manual

Have you ever picked up your owner’s manual? It’s important to know the in’s and out’s of your vehicle to keep it running in tip-top shape. There is an oil change schedule that applies to your specific vehicle, so you’ll want to double check what exactly your car requires for maintenance.

Learn the Warning Lights

When you see a light pop up on your dashboard, don’t ignore it! It means something in your car needs to be tended to and they are there for a reason— to keep you safe and your vehicle in its best shape. Look through the manual to learn what each warning light means so you know when you have low fluids or need to check the brakes, for example.

Don’t Overload the Vehicle

If you’re often hauling large items, it’s essential that you keep loads to a reasonable weight. Overloading your vehicle can cause a vehicle imbalance and trigger a tire breakdown. You might find a number on the door frame that states how much weight it can support or you’ll also find this number in the manual.

Don’t Ignore Vehicle Sounds

Think about when you drive a new vehicle off the lot. Do you hear ticking noises or clanking metal? Likely not. So don’t ignore these sounds if you begin to hear them suddenly! A ticking sound can indicate an issue with the timing belt, affecting your engine and your pocket! If you hear something odd with your car, take it in for a tune-up or inspect it yourself!

Wash Your Vehicle Regularly

There are many reasons to clean your car regularly. From keeping the paint job looking its best and preventing rust to removing sand and gravel, washing your car often can help maintain its value and prolong its life!

See you at the wash!

Sudzy Salmon Car Wash
13120 Old Glenn Highway
Eagle River, Alaska
Ph: 907-622-SUDZ (7839)
[email protected]

First Class Experience with an Alaskan Touch