Those who are thinking of buying a new car will want to keep it in amazing shape to make it a budget-friendly choice for the whole family. However, while some cars seem to last for decades, others seem to break down and have to be junked within just a few years. It is no secret as to why some cars last far longer than others do. The key is usually in the maintenance performed on the car. These four types of maintenance will help new car buyers protect their investments and use them for safe family transportation for years to come.
Repair Body Damage Immediately
Although one may not want to think of it, a car collision can happen in the blink of an eye no matter how carefully one drives. However, for many smaller accidents, this does not have to spell the end of a new car. Those who have comprehensive auto insurance coverage should work quickly to get their car repaired as soon as possible with a reputable collision repair company, such as Cascade Collision Repair. It is vital to have this repair performed quickly to avoid corrosion and rust buildup on the auto body. In addition, the mechanic may also find damage to the engine or other vital parts that otherwise would have gone undetected.
Perform Regular Self-Checks
Not all auto repair and maintenance has to be done at a mechanic’s garage, however. In fact, anyone with the most basic knowledge of a car can check some fluids and other key components of the car that will help it run longer and have cheaper operating costs. Cars that are running normally should have their oil levels and tire pressures checked at least monthly. As a car or the tires get older, they may need more frequent checks.
Schedule Routine Maintenance
Some maintenance tasks will need to be done by a mechanic or by the person performing an oil change approximately every three months. The mechanic should check the air filter, exhaust system, transmission fluids, brake fluids, radiator and battery. The air filter should be changed regularly to aid in gas mileage. In addition, brake pads should be checked twice each year. Other routine maintenance will be addressed in the owner’s manual. Each car will have specified recommended maintenance. However, for most cars, this will include draining and flushing the cooling system, changing the transmission fluid, and replacing various belts and hoses every three or so years.
Pay Attention To Warning Signs
Some car problems may not come up while the owner or a mechanic is performing routine maintenance. Instead, they may come up as strange noises, vibrations or warning lights on the dashboard. Newer cars are extremely computerized, making it difficult for owners to diagnose many of the problems without the help of a trained mechanic. However, owners should never avoid taking care of these warning signs because they can mean that a problem is beginning that will become more costly if it is not repaired immediately. Of course, car owners should never disregard certain warning lights, such as for the temperature gauge or the coolant level. They should immediately stop driving the car until they are able to get it serviced.
Although some cars are seemingly “lemons” as soon as they are driven off the lot, most vehicles will treat their owners well if the owners treat them well right back. Those who keep up on oil changes, fluid checks and routine maintenance as directed in their owner’s manuals will find that their cars are dependable, long-lasting and cheap to run. In addition to maintaining the outer surfaces of the car and the engine and inner-workings, owners must also keep up the interiors to protect them from sun damage, cracking leather and fabric stains.