Life of an equipment and the accuracy of your results depend directly on the way you handle the equipment. Here are a few points which will help you to optimize the performance of your HPLC.

1. Never run the column dry                                                                                                                                                                            

2. Always run a blank at these instances: -
   1. At the beginning of each HPLC session (you never know what the previous user left behind)
   2. Between samples when your compound is very sticky (apolar) to help clean the column
   3. Between samples when you are working with new compound

3. Completely dissolve your sample. Running samples with precipitated material will lead to blockages in the column or elsewhere in the system and can actually destroy the column.

4. Never use corrosive chemicals. Corrosive chemicals, such as strong acids and bases reduce the life of your column.             

5. Never shut off your HPLC system with a buffer-containing mobile phase left in the system. The solvent can evaporate and leave behind crystals of buffer, which will ultimately cause damage inside your column. Either flush the system with buffer-free solvent at the end of the day, or never shut it down.