A well-maintained car is a safe car, a top priority for car owners. It just so happens that a well-maintained vehicle can also save you money in the long run—whether it’s because you avoid costly repairs or because you can resell your car for more money. Either way, keeping up with preventative care and gaining some basic knowledge about your car will make your life much easier.
Here are the ten ways to do it:
10. Listen to your car.
No matter how embarrassing it may be to stand in front of a perfect stranger and make funny noises, it is worth it. Effectively relaying what you’ve experienced in your vehicle to your mechanic is an essential tool to keeping it on the road. The more your service center knows about the problem, the more likely they are to fix it right the first time and for less labor costs. Be sure to tell the mechanic as much as you can about the problem, including details like speed, what direction you are turning, the temperature outside and the time of day. It may sound strange, but all of those details can help your mechanic assess the situation and set it right without expensive exploratory work.
9. Schedule checkups twice a year with a mechanic you trust.
Regardless of how well you think you know your vehicle, a well-trained, trustworthy mechanic can spot things ahead of time that you might miss. Taking the time to schedule a check up with a good mechanic twice a year may seem obsessive, but preventative maintenance at the hands of a qualified professional is cheap insurance. Also, keep all the documentation; being able to provide a potential buyer with all of your service records is a major buying incentive
8. Flush the engine and top it up with mileage-appropriate fluids.
As your vehicle ages, carbon deposits and grime form inside of the engine no matter how well you maintain it. Using a product like Sea Foam engine restorer or BG44K as recommended on the packaging can keep buildup in check, improve fuel economy, and restore lost power. Also, be sure use the appropriate fluids for your vehicle’s age and use high-mileage oil as your car grows older.
