Compact cars are fairly popular across the world. The Chevrolet Cobalt is one of many smaller cars that are economical and highly functional. Prolonging the lifespan of a Chevy Cobalt follows guidelines applicable to all vehicles. The primary way to prolong the life of a vehicle falls under three areas: routine maintenance, driving habits and upgrades.
The basics involve oil changes with fluid checks every 3,000 miles, tire rotation and balance every 6,000 miles, and tune-ups annually. The tune-up checks your spark plugs, air filter, gas filter, wiring, battery and other essential components. A good tune-up also checks the on-board diagnostic computer for potential errors in the engine. Always ask the mechanic to inspect vacuum lines, fluid lines, and electrical components. You should have your wheels aligned and inspected every one to two years. Have your brakes checked and replaced as needed every 18 to 36 months.
Transmissions, engines, and tires are delicate pieces of machinery. The systems can handle moderate amounts of abuse, but poor driving habits will push the car into an early grave. The optimal speed to drive any vehicle is 55 miles per hour, which maximizes the gas mileage without creating any undue stress. Should you drive your vehicle at higher speeds, use steady acceleration without forcing the gas pedal to the floor. Gentle acceleration allows the transmission to flow smoothly between gears. Avoid stopping suddenly as quick stops create stress on the tires, brakes and suspension. Avoid stop-and-start driving, which wears out your engine faster.
Chevrolet recommends a SAE 5W30 oil for the Cobalt engine. Using a synthetic or semi-synthetic blend oil improves engine performance and maintains the seals and pistons better than conventional oil. Upgrading your stock air filter to a lifetime, high-flow air filter improves the performance and intake prolonging the engine life. You can allow your tires to wear down to the wear-bars, little strips of rubber that join the treads when the tires need replaced. However, replacing your tires with quality tires every two years at the most helps to keep the suspension system from over working. The upgrades may cost a little extra; but the long-term benefit is a vehicle that will last you 10 to 15 years easily.
