BCAA

Mazda SUMMER 2018 BCA A .COM 27 AUTOMOTIVE Getting the most out of your years with a vehicle BY BENJAMIN YONG A Car's Life You know that old adage "take care of your body and it will take care of you?" Well, it applies to cars, too. We spoke to BCAA Auto Service Centre Senior Operations Manager Stu Miller about how to keep your vehicle healthy into its golden years. Average lifespan Miller says how long a vehicle lasts really depends on the person behind the wheel. "I've seen cars from the early or mid-1990s that have more than 500 or 600,000 kilometres on them and are still running well. I drive a 2014 that has 147,000 km on it already," he says. "The lifespan of a car will really vary depending on the owner's driving habits and how well they maintain their investment. But on average, you can probably expect around 300,000 km." Maintenance is a lifesaver The number-one thing owners can do to prolong a vehicle's life is to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for servicing. Unsurprisingly, observing regular engine oil and filter changes are among the crucial items, as is replacing transmission fluid. "When oil breaks down, viscosity is lost, as is its ability to lubricate, absorb heat and clean. So in all working, moving parts you will always have some type of metal or material that starts to wear away – the oil is designed to take that contamination and put it inside your oil filter. It's the same idea with transmission fluid," says Miller. Gently does it Aside from proper maintenance, good driving habits can ensure a healthy vehicle lifespan, too. A happy car is a long-lived car: regular maintenance and gentle treatment are key to longevity.

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