If you’re always on the road, you need a car that’ll facilitate your travel from point A to point B safely and efficiently. After all, it’s your lifeline. Automobiles start losing value when they reach 60,000 to 70,000 miles. However, you can take steps to preserve your car’s value for longer. Here are five tips for taking care of your car that’s always on the road.

1. Keep Your Car Clean

Keeping your car clean isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s key to preserving its value. Dirt and filth can cause rust, paint damage, and other issues that lower the value of your automobile. Take your car for a professional wash regularly to protect it from damage and keep it looking great. Waxing your car will protect the paintwork from the sun’s harmful UV rays. It can also make your car easier to clean.

A filthy, bug-covered windshield obscures your view while on the road, increasing your chances of getting into an accident, and potentially resulting in losses, injuries, and even fatalities. Clean your windshield regularly to ensure you’re safe on the road. This is especially important after long drives as you’ll likely have dead bugs all over your windshield, and using the wipers and washer fluid to remove them will only create a smeary mess that’ll obstruct your view.

2. Keep Up With Maintenance

Keeping up with your vehicle’s maintenance needs if you’re always on the road. Make sure to get routine maintenance performed on your vehicle, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections, at the intervals recommended by the manufacturer. Regular maintenance will help you avoid breakdowns and other issues that can be expensive and time-consuming to repair.

3. Drive Responsibly

Responsible driving will not only keep you safe, but it’ll also save you money on maintenance and repairs. Aggressive driving only puts more stress on your engine, brakes, and other components, causing them to wear faster. Avoid sudden starts and stops, and maintain a safe following distance.

Don’t overload your car, as it can put undue strain on the brakes and suspension. Never drive while under the influence. It poses a safety risk and can result in a DUI conviction, which in Massachusetts carries a fine of up to $5,000 and a 30-month jail sentence.

4. Use High-Quality Parts

Using high-quality parts will ensure your car runs smoothly and lowers the likelihood of breakdowns. Always use high-quality aftermarket parts or OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts when replacing car parts. While cheap, inferior parts will save you money on the initial cost, they’ll have more repair and maintenance needs down the road.

Consider aluminum car parts. Around 75% of the total amount of aluminum ever produced is still in use today, which shows just how durable this metal is. From the wheels, hoods, and engine blocks, cars are increasingly being manufactured with aluminum components. This metal is lightweight, improving fuel efficiency, but it has specific maintenance needs. So be sure to consult your auto mechanic.

You should also choose the right oil for your car. Using the wrong oil will negatively impact your engine’s performance or cause it to fail. You can always refer to your owner’s manual to determine which oil is best for your car.

5. Keep Your Tires Inflated

Properly inflated tires improve fuel efficiency and handling, which reduces wear and tear and extends the life of your tires. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure. Doing this will save you money on gas and prevent costly tire replacements. Remember to rotate your tires to ensure your tires wear evenly. Uneven wear can make your tires noisy, negatively impacting your car’s handling and fuel efficiency.

If you’re always on the road, you need to take care of your car. Use these tips to get the most out of the life of your car. Safe travels!