How to make your motor last longer

1. Don’t ignore warning lights

While many drivers don’t understand the most common dashboard warnings, remember they are there to alert you that something is wrong and needs attention. Ignore a warning light and you could end up stranded on the road or facing expensive repairs later.

2. Never skimp on car maintenance

No-one enjoys taking their car for a routine service, especially when often the car comes back feeling and looking the same as before. Even so, cost-cutting on maintenance is a false economy. Taking good care of your car is an easy way to prolong its driving life, so regular checks will pay huge dividends in the long run.

3. Check your tyres

Well-maintained tyres are essential for safe and economical driving. Check tyre pressures regularly, correctly inflated tyres can improve fuel consumption by up to 2pc.

4. Avoid potholes

Potholes are a feature of our roads and are not only a source of frustration to drivers but they can do serious damage to your car. Try to leave as much space between you and the car in front as this will give you a greater chance of spotting the pothole and time to avoid it.

5. Keep it clean

Washing your car does more than make it look good — it can also prolong its working life. Grit, salt and general road dirt will damage the paintwork, so it is particularly important to keep your car clean in winter. The paintwork on your car is not only expensive to get redone it is also the first line of defence against rust — and once rust starts, it’s hard to stop. A cleaner car is also a safer one, clean lights will shine brighter and windows without dirt and grime are far easier to see out of.