We show you ten easy ways to extend your car’s life.

View our step-by-step picture guide to preparing your car

1. Keep tyres inflated

Check the pressure in your tyres at least once a week, and before every long journey, using a tyre pressure gauge. The recommended pressure can be found in your vehicle handbook.

For more information read our money-saving tyre tip.

2. Use the handbrake

Using the handbrake regularly helps keep the brakes adjusted in the rear of the car and makes them last longer. Use the handbrake if you’re parked on an incline or in traffic.

3. Look after the bodywork

When washing your car take care not to place the sponge on the ground – small stones could get caught inside it and scratch your car.

You can remove stone chips with a paint touch-up stick. These aren’t expensive and can dramatically improve your car’s presentation.

4. Check the fluids

Each week check under the bonnet and make sure your car’s fluid levels are topped up correctly:

• Coolant
• Windscreen washer fluid
• Oil

Video: How to check your oil

5. Change the air filter

Check your vehicle handbook to see where your air filter is located before fitting a new one. A clean air filter can increase your fuel economy, so try and change it regularly.

6. Rotate the tyres

Rotate your tyres twice a year or every 6,000 miles to reduce uneven wear and tear on the tread and prolong life.

Rotate tyres diagonally – front-right to rear-left and front-left to rear-right. Certain tyres can only be used on one side of the car, so check the vehicle handbook first.

7. Run the engine correctly

Start the car and drive off gently until the car warms up – this reduces strain on the engine and improves fuel economy. Avoid sudden braking and accelerating to help prolong the life of your engine. 

8. Check the cooling fan

Check under the bonnet for your cooling fan – it should switch on when the engine is hot, after a long journey or when stuck in traffic. If it doesn’t, a garage may have to replace it.

9. Save money on car parts

Save money and be kind to the environment by buying used car parts online.

Search over 450,000 quality used car parts with Auto Trader parts search.

All spare used parts are checked to be in good working order before they’re sold.

10. Get it serviced

Inefficient engines can reduce fuel economy by ten per cent, so have your car serviced regularly. This will bring any other potential problems to light and increase the chances of preventing a breakdown.

View our step-by-step picture guide to preparing your car

View the latest money-saving tips

How do you save money on your motoring? Have your say on the Auto Trader Blog