How to make your car last longer

Cars can last a very long time when you know how to look after them. At the time of writing in the UK a car lasts an average of 14 years before being scrapped. However, this is usually due to neglect due to the car having a low value, if properly maintained many cars will last 25+ years easily. In this video I explain some key things you need to know to keep your car working for longer such as oil, cambelt, coolant, gearbox oil and more. My car is a SEAT Leon 1.4 TSI 140 FR SC

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This video is a guide intended to help people who are learning to drive with a driving instructor in the UK, it is by no means a replacement for driving lessons with an appropriately qualified driving instructor.

Laws and driving rules may be different in your country. The makers of this video cannot be held liable for any consequences caused by any information that is in any way inaccurate, misleading or missing. The makers of this video are not liable for any person's driving other than their own, it is the responsibility of the person driving a vehicle to ensure they drive safely and within the law. The makers of this video are also not liable for any person failing a driving test as a result of the information provided in the video.

00:00 My car's mileage
00:34 Oil
01:25 Cambelt
03:16 Cam chain
04:13 Coolant
05:20 Gearbox oil
07:15 No guarantees
07:45 Brake fluid
09:03 Driving
11:36 How to test coolant
17:39 Servicing
18:40 Corrosion
19:20 Outro

[simonferrari-xeid]

As a mechanic student a can´t stress this enough, never skip an oil change! People think cars are just some magical thing that makes them go places and don´t think of cars as machines that needs to be serviced.

[Likeanycommentator]

I think I owe you a pint after all the value I’ve gotten from watching your videos. I bought a 2008 Subaru Justy and your advice has made a world of difference in relearning to drive. Got my license at 18 and I never drove until I was 35.

[averyalexander]

Great video, I think this will help a lot of people! If you take care of your car it can certainly last a while. My daily driver has 270K miles on it and people are amazed by how many parts are still original and perfectly healthy. It's called maintenance! :)

[pooja]

I cant beleive i would be saying this today that i passed my driving test in first time with 4 minor faults. your videos have been so helpful. You are doing great job. Big thank you to you.. i m over the moon..🤩🤩🤩

[mcredmond_]

This is how science labs in school should’ve demonstrated their topics because these tests actually seem useful.

[kiefershanks]

I think the most underrated preventative measure you described is the warm-up. With all the engine and transmission parts designed to operate within a fixed temperature range, they have part tolerances intended to make your engine "fit" perfectly within that temperature range once the metal components expand with heat. This means that many engine components are not ideally connected and have too much play which will accelerate internal wear under load significantly. Cold starts are the worst as there is a brief moment where the engine isn't properly lubricated and will wear the most. So a really good habit is to avoid as many cold starts as possible by eliminating unnecessary drives and compiling errands into a single string of trips. The engine stays relatively warm warm lubricated that way and you get your tasks done in one go and will achieve better fuel economy too. Limiting the heat cycling of your engine will improve its lifespan. Great video!

[thrt]

i’m more amazed how how clean you keep it

[tantuv]

I know I asked you for something like this a while ago, and you delivered. Good job!

[sidjyothi]

Absolutely superb video. Best thing I watched this whole week. Excellent tip in letting the car slow down and idle a bit before shutting down turbo engines. The number of people I see that just park and immediately turn off their turbo engines just hurts!

[mickl]

208k miles on my 2006 Civic 2.2 diesel. Original engine, never been touched, serviced every 12.5k miles.

Your comment RE the cam chain, change if it starts rattling, no need to touch it otherwise.

[acidboi]

Passed my test watching your videos bro!
Your knowledge on cars and I’m workings are insane. Top man!

Now looking for an evo 9 😁

[klappars]

Excellent videos. I learnt a few things here. Your knowledge and explanation is top notch.

[Magicash]

Passed my test few weeks ago still watching your videos can’t tell you how much you’ve helped me

[irzehxd]

Such a good video, thanks for explaining all those things. Hard to find it so summarized!

[bartoszk]

Very useful video! I've been servicing my cars for the past 10 years.. started with oil and filter changes - never had a car broken down on me. When I show some of my friends how easy it is to change air filter for example they laugh, my Mazda's 6 air filter cover was held by 4 clips.. it took me longer to change Brita filter in my water jug LOL
I like that MX5 of yours!! :)

[shroudedenigma]

That sound you made for the Reverse gear grinding really tickled me for some reason 🤣some good advice here, Richard. I'm still watching these videos even after passing my test over a year ago, since your videos helped me out a lot ❤

[nilkanthaghosh]

thanks sir for all your awesome videos... Your advices helped me learn driving so fast...

[dankshiz]

Wow, did not expect the video to be this detailed. There were some things I did not know/do. Thank you very much!

[Dmxravin]

Excellent video. This should be part of a learners curriculum.

[niallwood]

Excellent video! Incredibly important information in this video, which I haven't even heard about. As always, presented in a clear and easy to understand manner - keep up the good work!