DCH Toyota of Oxnard

DCH Toyota of Oxnard

Sales 888-441-5923 | Service 877-618-5842 | 1631 Auto Center Drive, Oxnard, CA 93036

Top 5 Things You Can Do to Maximize the Lifetime of Your Vehicle

For many of us, the longest relationship we've ever had is with our car. And we don't want that relationship to end anytime soon. If you start early enough and stick with it, extending the lifetime of your car is easier than you think. Here is a guide from DCH Toyota of Oxnard to help maximize the lifetime of your vehicle.

1) Oil—Think With Your Dipstick

Oil is the lifeblood of your car. If you want to keep your engine running smoothly, you need to keep an eye on your oil. Thanks to new formulations in motor oil, you don't have to change it nearly as often as you used to. Unless you have an old classic (or clunker), every 6,000 to 7,000 miles should suffice. And don't forget to change the oil filter, too. Keeping nasty deposits out of your engine doesn't just extend its life—it gives you better gas mileage as well. To help you stay on top of it, check your oil every few hundred miles.

2) Coolant—Remember To Flush

Just like us, cars don't like to be too hot or too cold. If you don't keep an eye on your coolant levels, your car can overheat. Serious or repeated overheating can lead to expensive engine repairs. If it's been more than a few years, you should flush the system and refill with fresh coolant.

3) Air Filters—Cars Deserve Clean Air Too

Changing your car's air filters is one the simplest and least expensive ways to extend its life. Your car's air filters keep harmful particles from getting into your engine and gumming up the works. Even the smallest little bit of dirt, if left to its own devices, can do serious damage to an engine.

4) Tires—Where the Rubber Meets the Road

One of the easiest ways to get more out of your car is keeping your tires properly inflated and the wheels aligned. Improperly inflated tires or misaligned wheels will cause your tires to wear unevenly and put stress on your suspension. Check your tires for wear or perform a simple test to see if your wheels are out of whack. Find a flat stretch of road. Drive down it with your hand resting gently on the wheel. If you're about to veer, it's time to steer…your way to the mechanic for an alignment.

5) Interior/Exterior—Keeping Things Looking Nice, Inside and Out

When it comes to your car, it's okay to be vain. Keeping your car's interior and exterior looking good isn't just about style; it's about protecting your investment. Taking time to protect the paint job with frequent washing and waxing and keeping stains to a minimum will help your car hold its value.


Follow your car's maintenance schedule and bring your car in for regular maintenance. It might seem like overkill, but the money you spend keeping your car healthy can save you tons down the road. And don't forget to keep all your the receipts; they're important to any potential buyer. Additionally, be sure to address any problems early—the longer you wait,  the worse (and more expensive) they become.

For information about servicing your current vehicle—or trading it in when the time comes— contact the DCH Toyota of Oxnard team today.