If your automobile lasts longer, you'll save money over time and minimize the inconvenience of downtime while you're having your vehicle repaired or replaced. 

There are a lot of things you can do to extend the life of your vehicle. The following are seven good habits to get into to take the best possible care of your vehicle and to keep your vehicle as mechanically sound as possible through the years:

Always use synthetic oil and consider investing in high performance oil

Keeping your vehicle's engine adequately lubricated is very important in avoiding mechanical problems. You probably already know that keeping up with your vehicle's maintenance schedule regarding oil changes is important.

However, you may not have known that synthetic engine oil is more effective at lubricating a vehicle than standard oil. You should therefore invest in synthetic oil and perhaps even invest in slightly more expensive high performance oil for the best possible lubrication you can provide your engine. 

Have your cooling system regularly maintained

Even if your engine is adequately lubricated, it can suffer mechanical issues due to overheating if you don't keep your cooling system properly maintained. Having your cooling system regularly flushed and filled will keep contaminants  out and minimize the chances that your vehicle will suffer from overheating.

Familiarize yourself with your vehicle's maintenance schedule

Vehicle manufacturers produce maintenance schedules. The maintenance schedule that goes along with your vehicle make and model will tell you exactly what types of auto service and repair you need and how often you need them.

Keep your car garaged

A vehicle that is constantly exposed to the elements will age faster than a vehicle that is kept in a garage or een underneath a carport. Whenever possible, keep your car garaged to protect it from both cosmetic and mechanical damage.

Wash and wax your vehicle's exterior regularly

Regularly washing and waxing your vehicle does more than simply improve the appearance of your vehicle. It can also prevent rust development. 

Rust that develops on your vehicle's exterior can eventually spread to the interior of the vehicle and infect mechanical parts. This could cause your vehicle to experience severe damage to vital components like its engine and transmission. 

Pay attention to unusual smells

If your vehicle ever begins to give off a burning smell, chances are you have an important mechanical issue that needs to be looked into. 

Avoid making frequent short trips

A lot of motorists get in the habit of taking their vehicle out for short trips that are actually walkable. When you take your vehicle out for a very short drive, it doesn't get up to optimal operating temperature. This can prematurely age mechanical components, so try to walk rather than drive if you're only going a very short distance.