Five Driving Tips to extend the days of Your Engine

The current economic climate has been tough for many of us. People are looking for good ways to stretch their dollar and cut back on spending. This extends to the cars we drive, too. It makes a lot more sense for us to keep our current vehicles running in good condition than to be forced to go out and buy a new one.

Most of us know that performing routine maintenance like oil changes and transmission services prevent mechanical failures in the long run and promote the car's overall health. But did you know that your driving habits also have a direct effect on the lifespan of your vehicle? The way you drive in different conditions can affect your engine's fuel economy as well as its lifespan.

Since a new engine can easily cost several thousand dollars, taking care of the one you've got will certainly pay off in the long run.

In this article, we'll take a look at five easy ways to modify your driving habits in order to make sure your engine will last a long time. Many of the tips we'll discuss are low-impact in terms of how they affect your daily commute, but go a long way to save you money.

Styles and Options of Volvo XC90

 For 2007, there are two trims available for the XC90: the 3.2 and the V8 AWD. The V8 AWD is more powerful and comes with more standard features than the 3.2.

The XC90 3.2 is powered by, as the name implies, a 3.2L inline-6 with 235hp and a 6-speed Geartronic front wheel drive automatic transmission, although all wheel drive is an option. It sports 17" silver alloy wheels, a rear lip spoiler, body-colored bumpers and moldings, and black fender flares. Inside you'll find conveniences like 8-way power front bucket seats with cloth/leatherette seating, automatic air conditioning, an 8-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo system with and amp and MP3 capability, HomeLink wireless control system, and power windows, locks, and heated outside mirrors.

Choose the XC90 V8 AWD and you'll get a powerful 4.4L V8 engine pumping out 311hp. This model is also moved by a 6-speed Geartronic automatic transmission, but it's also equipped with full-time Instant Traction all wheel drive. In addition, you'll automatically get a third row of bucket seats, a rear child seat, leather interior, an express sunroof, separate rear climate controls, and an in-dash 6-CD changer.

Options for both trims include a navigation system, rear park distance control, a DVD entertainment setup, and heated front seats. But if you can do without these items, the XC90 still packs quite a luxurious wallop.

Volvo S60

The Volvo S60 is a compact executive sedan produced by the Swedish automaker Volvo from 2000. Two generations of the sedan have been produced to date.

Ford Taurus

The Ford Taurus is an automobile manufactured by the Ford Motor Company in the United States. Originally introduced in the 1986 model year, it has remained in near-continuous production for more than two decades, making it the fourth oldest nameplate that is currently sold in the North American Ford lineup. It has had a more upscale Mercury branded version entitled the Sable (1986–2005; 2008–2009), as well as a performance variant, the Ford Taurus SHO (1989–1999 and 2010–); in addition, it served as the basis for the first-ever front-wheel drive Lincoln Continental (1988–1994). It was a front-wheel drive mid-size car during its first production run, and it is now a full-size car available in front- or all-wheel drive. It is built on the D3 platform since 2008.

Grand tourer

A grand tourer (Italian: gran turismo) (GT) is a high-performance luxury automobile designed for long-distance driving. The most common format is a two-door coupé with either a two-seat or a 2+2 arrangement.

The term derives from the Italian phrase gran turismo, homage to the tradition of the grand tour, used to represent automobiles regarded as grand tourers, able to make long-distance, high-speed journeys in both comfort and style. The English translation is grand touring.