HOW WELL DO YOU MAINTAIN YOUR CAR?
Ok, so you keep your car shiny and clean inside and out, congratulations you’re doing a great job! How about your car’s mechanical maintenance? Looks can be deceiving… You know the great looking car with the new tires, wheels, and shiny paint? The one that smokes and rattles like the engine is falling out lol? That scenario is more common than you think! I mean let’s face it, soap and water is cheaper than the parts and services associated with regularly scheduled maintenance, especially on newer cars. As a result, some folks just let it go until they’re driving junk! We have to assume most of them have no idea the benefits that keeping their car in shape offers. Think of your car as a living breathing form of transportation, like say around the 19th century. If you didn’t maintain your horse and keep it in good shape, you were walking. Things haven’t changed a bit, neglect your car and well, get to stepping!
DOING MAINTENANCE
If you’re one of the discerning car owners who don’t wish to take a college course on automobile maintenance, join the crowd! Many car owners just don’t care about how it’s done as long as it gets done. That’s why we have professionals that do care and wan’t the best for your car just like you. Find one in your area with great reviews and give them a shout. Text or call me for a recommendation if you’re not sure, glad to help.
For those hybrid greasers out there who don’t mind getting their hands dirty to save some cash, check out my article on maintenance schedules Secret To Max Car Performance and Life.
“Whether you’re a DIY owner or reliant on your favorite service department, you should know the following benefits of regular car maintenance.” ~ Mike Love
BENEFITS OF CAR MAINTENANCE
Why is keeping your car mechanically on it’s game so important? The list is long and there are some benefits more important than others, but here are six good ones to begin with.
01. Dependability
One of the major advantages of car maintenance is the reliability of the car to go from any place to another with the utmost convenience. The performance of the car is assured with regular maintenance and occasionally a checkup from a seasoned pro even if you’re a DIY car owner.
02. Resale
For all vehicles, resale value is a major consideration. After a while, people want to replace their existing vehicle with a new one, they just do. One of the key aspects of a good resale is a vehicle’s overall performance. The properly maintained car has 20 to 30 percent more value than an average vehicle. Worth it…
03. Low repair costs
For any kind of vehicle, maintenance cost is a very important aspect. Keeping in mind that the replacement cost of an important car part is high. Parts replacement costs can be dramatically reduced by performing proper maintenance. It’s a simple fact that if it doesn’t wear out, it doesn’t need replacing. Keeping everything in good repair wins every time.
04. Better fuel efficiency
With proper maintenance, you can boost your fuel performance to a new level. Maintaining correct air pressure in tires equates to fuel savings. For every 10 psi of under-inflation, a 10% reduction in fuel economy can result, according to NACFE.
Too little or too much engine oil can create more friction and rob power. Clean oil lubricates better than dirty oil, so pay attention to oil change intervals. Explore the use of lower-viscosity oils to improve fuel economy.
A restricted air intake system (air filter, air cooler, and tubing) or exhaust system will decrease engine power output. Check components at regular PMs and fix any leaks. These leaks can be particularly hard to find, as leaking air is not as noticeable as fuel or oil, but their repair will improve engine operation and fuel efficiency. I could dedicate an entire blog to just this maintenance advantage!
05. Safety
Because our lives may depend on car performance, don’t take unnecessary chances. System failure can be avoided largely through maintenance. Rear brake lights, brakes, brake warning lights on your dashboard, lack of brake fluid are all extremely dangerous system failures that can be life threatening.
Over-inflated tires, Under-inflated tires, Punctured or damaged tires, valve stem damage, and Worn down or bald tires are all capable of causing an accident.
Headlights, taillights, and turn signals are all essential to your safety while driving.
06. Longevity
In many cases, it may be too late for your engine when it starts to overheat or begins leaking coolant on a hot summer day. It’s best to have your coolant system serviced by the pros. Frequent fluid top-ups will help keep your engine cool and reduce stress on your car’s heater and air conditioner. A belt check along with replacing coolant fluids will help improve the life of the vehicle’s engine and will give you a heads-up should there be an underlying problem with the vehicle’s radiator or thermostat.
While tire suspension and care are the main priority, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment for an auto transmission servicing and a front and rear differential inspection. A good service should provide:
- A complete tire inspection including rotation and balancing
- Replacement of a dirty air and fuel filter
- Power steering fluid exchange
- Inspection of the transfer case
- Differential and trans-axle servicing
- A transmission fluid exchange
The advantages of keeping your vehicle well maintained are too many to mention, but if they were only those above it would be well worth it! Let me know if you have any questions, always happy to help.
Call or text (757) 560-4252 and ask for Mike Love, I have answers.
TM Auto Wholesalers, Chesapeake Va
Sources:
Lockridge, Deborah “8 steps to better MPG through maintenance” TRUCKINGINFO.COM June 20th, 2016 Web. Retrieved from:
Staff “How Routine Maintenance Improves Vehicle Longevity” MRCLEANCARWASH.COM Retrieved from:
https://www.mrcleancarwash.com/blog/how-routine-maintenance-improves-vehicle-longevity
Beckman, Viles “Does Vehicle Maintenance Affect Road Safety” VILESANDBECKMAN.COM February 20th, 2019 Web. Retrieved from:
