Buying a car is one of the biggest investments most people make—so it makes sense to protect it. The good news is that with some simple maintenance habits, you can extend the life of your vehicle, reduce the chance of unexpected repairs, and even maintain a better resale value when it’s time to upgrade.
Here are five practical habits that will help you keep your car in top condition for years to come.
1. Log Book Servicing
Following the manufacturer’s recommended log book servicing schedule is the best way to keep your vehicle running smoothly. These services are tailored to your car’s specific make and model, ensuring that all essential checks and replacements are done at the right time.
Many people tend to ignore log book servicing requirements when their car is older. This is a mistake. Older cars will especially benefit from following the manufacturer’s recommended servicing schedule. It may cost a little more, but it will likely save you in the long run.
Regular servicing doesn’t just help with performance and reliability—it also gives mechanics the opportunity to spot issues before they become costly repairs. For example, a small oil leak or worn brake pad picked up during a routine service is far easier (and cheaper) to fix early than after it’s caused secondary damage.
And don’t forget: keeping a complete log book service history also helps preserve your car’s value if you ever decide to sell it.
2. Don’t Ignore Obvious Faults (Like Warning Lights)
Warning lights on the dash are your car’s way of telling you something is wrong. Whether it’s a check engine light, a battery alert, or a brake system warning—these signals should never be ignored.
Some faults may seem minor or even disappear after a short drive, but allowing issues to go unchecked can lead to serious engine damage, safety risks, or breakdowns. Modern cars are full of sensors and computers that monitor how everything is running. When something’s out of balance, it’s better to get it diagnosed early.
If a light comes on, book in with your trusted mechanic or auto electrician. It might be a simple fix—or it might be the start of a bigger problem. Either way, acting early gives you the best outcome.
3. Fix the Little Things
Many car problems start small. A torn wiper blade, a slow tyre leak, a cracked tail light or a strange noise when you turn the wheel—all of these might seem like minor annoyances, but they can quickly snowball into more serious issues.
That squeaking noise you’ve been ignoring? It could be a worn-out suspension bush or brake pad that will eventually fail completely. That flickering headlight? It might point to a faulty connection or electrical short.
By fixing small faults early, you not only improve safety and comfort—you also prevent further wear and tear to related parts. A proactive approach can save you hundreds (or thousands) of dollars over the life of your car.
4. Park Your Car Under Cover
If possible, always try to park your car under cover—in a garage, carport, or at least in the shade. Constant exposure to harsh sun, rain, bird droppings, tree sap and leaves can cause slow but steady damage to your vehicle.
UV rays fade paint, crack interior plastics, and age rubber seals. Moisture encourages corrosion. And debris left on the bodywork can etch into the paint if not cleaned off promptly.
Even if a garage isn’t available, using a quality car cover can help protect your vehicle from the elements. Over time, the difference in condition between a car parked under cover and one left in the sun every day can be dramatic.
5. Keep It Clean
It might seem cosmetic, but keeping your car clean—both inside and out—is an essential part of long-term maintenance.
Washing the exterior removes grime, salt, tar, and other contaminants that can damage your paintwork or promote rust. Waxing a few times a year adds a protective layer that helps prevent this kind of damage.
Inside, regular vacuuming and cleaning help preserve upholstery, plastics, and trim. It also makes it easier to notice spills, smells or leaks that could indicate other problems (like a blocked drain tube or water ingress).
And don’t forget the underbody—especially if you’ve been driving near the beach or on dirt roads. A quick rinse underneath can help prevent long-term corrosion in hard-to-see places.
Best Car Maintenance Practices
Extending the life of your car doesn’t require mechanical expertise—just a little attention and consistency. Stick to your log book schedule, act quickly when something’s not right, and take care of the small things before they turn into big ones.
Treat your car well and it’ll return the favour: with reliable performance, lower running costs, and a longer lifespan that saves you money in the long run.
