When people invest their money in purchasing or leasing a vehicle, they expect it to last for a considerable length of time. Investing in a vehicle can prove beneficial as it offers the opportunity to accrue equity while also providing a useful mode of transportation long after the payments have been completed. Like any significant investment, it is essential to give adequate attention to its care, invest time and money to maintain it, to maximize its benefits.
Similar to how you regularly contribute to a 401K to keep your investment growing and maximize your returns, it's important to give your vehicle ample care and preventative maintenance throughout its lifespan. By adhering to a suggested maintenance schedule or regular service appointments, you can extend the lifespan of your vehicle and reduce your expenses.
Merely "fixing cars" should not be the sole objective for a reliable auto repair shop. Keeping them in good condition can help you save time and money in the future. Each time you bring your car to the shop, routine checks are performed to diagnose any issues or recommend necessary services. This helps identify the specific minimal services that your vehicle may require at that moment.
If you maintain and keep your vehicle for three years after completing your payments, you could save $20,000 to $30,000. Inspecting essential fluids is a critical indicator of potential issues. It is advisable to take into account the physical state of the vehicle's components, as well as the mileage and the duration between maintenance check-ups, when providing suggestions.
The Car Care Council recommends that giving extra attention and carrying out preventative maintenance are crucial for extending the lifespan of your vehicle. Proper maintenance of your car is essential to ensure its longevity, enhance its safety, and increase its reliability. Rich White, the executive director of the Car Care Council, emphasized that failing to take care of your vehicle will result in much higher expenses in the future, such as more extensive repairs or decreased resale value. Having a regular maintenance schedule is a wise financial decision as it can prolong the lifespan of your vehicle and prevent expensive repairs in the future. To ensure that your vehicle operates at its best, the Car Care Council suggests following 10 fundamental maintenance procedures. As stated on their website, the following information is provided for further clarification:
Inspect all fluids such as engine oil, brake and transmission fluids, power steering fluid, as well as antifreeze/coolant and windshield washer solvent for proper levels. Ensuring appropriate fluid levels is a crucial and effortless upkeep job.
Ensure that the hoses and belts are not exhibiting any signs of excess wear, such as cracking, brittleness, fraying, looseness or other damage. Make sure to get your belts and hoses checked during your regular oil change to avoid any unexpected emergencies or inconveniences.
Please verify if the battery is functioning properly and if not, replace it as required. Ensure that the connection is free of corrosion and securely tightened. The battery plays a crucial role by not just storing energy but also providing power to critical components like the starter motor, ignition system, fuel system, and electrical devices during engine startup. Furthermore, it supplies electricity to the necessary electronic parts even when the automobile is not in operation. Examples of devices that can be categorized as digital include radios, clocks, door locks, alarms, vehicle computers, and many others.
It is recommended to conduct an annual check on the brake system and inspect brake linings, rotors, and drums during every oil change. The car brake is an essential tool that empowers you to halt the vehicle and maintain authority. Stopping the car can be a challenging task if the brake is inadequate. Inspecting your car's brake system on an annual basis is crucial. It is advisable to inspect the brake lines and dashboard warning lights during the brake check. When it comes to maintaining your brakes, prioritizing safety is essential.
If you hear an unusual noise, examine the exhaust system for any leaks, damages, or broken supports or hangers. Without delay, any exhaust leaks should be corrected, as they pose a dangerous risk. Your car's driving experience and fuel efficiency are influenced by the exhaust system. The car's exhaust system can be compared to the lungs in our body. It enables the flow of air to pass through your engine and then expels it outward.
Arrange for a tune-up to optimize the engine's performance, ensuring that it maintains the ideal combination of power and fuel efficiency, while emitting minimal amounts of pollutants.
Ensuring optimal performance of the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system is crucial for interior comfort and safety, including defrosting.
It is recommended to conduct a yearly inspection of the steering and suspension system, which includes examining shock absorbers, struts, and chassis components like ball joints and tie rod ends. Other related parts should also be assessed during this inspection.
Examine the tires, verifying both tire pressure and tread. If your wheels show signs of uneven wear, it is an indication that your vehicle requires a wheel alignment. It is important to inspect tires for any bulges or areas of significant wear, known as bald spots. Ensuring your tires are well taken care of is crucial for keeping your vehicle in good shape and ensuring your safety while on the road. Tire-related accidents claim the lives and cause injuries to numerous individuals annually. Defective tires can be attributed to vehicle and tire manufacturers, but overloading and underinflation of vehicles are common factors that lead to tire failures as well.
Ensure that your wipers and lighting are functional for better visibility and to increase your visibility to others on the road. Ensure that both the interior and exterior lighting of your vehicle are functioning correctly, and replace any worn-out wiper blades to ensure clear visibility while driving in rainy or snowy conditions.
Ensuring the health and safety of your vehicle requires you to remember and take care of a lot of information. However, each aspect is crucial and should not be overlooked. You can simplify your life and stay on track by adhering to the manufacturer's or repair shop's recommended service intervals, as well as those recommended by the Car Care Council. Isn't it true that investing in a vehicle with a longer lifespan is worthwhile? The Sacramento Bee's online article states that a consumer poll conducted nationwide shows that the majority of drivers aspire to reach 200,000 miles with their vehicle. According to the survey, American citizens hold a genuine concern about the durability of their vehicles. Kelton Research* conducted a recent nationwide survey which revealed that most drivers believe a vehicle must clock over 200,000 miles before considering it unfit for use. It is true that American car owners generally believe that a vehicle is not considered "old" until it reaches approximately 147,000 miles. Furthermore, a vast majority (86 percent) of vehicle owners prioritize maintaining their engines rather than focusing on the appearance of the interior or exterior of their car. In addition, the survey indicates that most drivers prioritize the longevity of their vehicles over their homes, with 85% expressing greater concern towards the former. Instead of the actual number of years, 68% of car owners use their vehicle's mileage as the primary factor in determining its age. According to Chris Hayek, the Global Brand Manager at Quaker State, as drivers seek to cover more miles with their vehicles, the risk of engine damage and deterioration increases, underscoring the criticality of car owners taking good care of their car engines.
The Car Care Council reports that the highest percentage of service or parts needed in vehicles has been recorded in the past five years. This was identified after conducting vehicle inspections during Car Care Months in April and October of 2011 at community car care events held nationwide. The results showed that 84 percent of vehicles required maintenance or replacement of certain parts. The present economic situation is apparent in the poor state of vehicles, which once again highlights the importance of educating consumers on the advantages of regular car upkeep, servicing and repair. Rich White, the Executive Director of Car Care Council, has stressed that certain drivers believe that they can save money during a period of economic uncertainty by delaying necessary vehicle maintenance.
What people fail to recognize is that disregarding regular upkeep can result in significantly higher costs over time. The above findings underscore the significance of educating consumers on vehicle maintenance. Neglecting this aspect can have serious consequences on highway safety, air quality, operational expenses, as well as the overall performance and reliability of the vehicle.
In 2011, a significant number of car care events were conducted by volunteers, who submitted vehicle inspection forms. Analysis of the data collected from these forms revealed that the major areas of concern are engine oil and fluids, air filters, battery cables, lights, as well as belts and hoses. Around 10 percent of the vehicles had their check engine light illuminated, and new air filters were necessary for 19 percent of them.
Out of all the vehicles that were inspected, 20 percent of them had reported an unsatisfactory belt, and 15 percent of them required a new hose. Maintenance was required for battery cables, clamps, and terminals in 17 percent of the vehicles surveyed. Additionally, 10 percent of the batteries were not securely fastened. The Car Care Council suggests various maintenance services that are highly recommended.
Research conducted by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) found that although 78% of women recognize regular preventative maintenance as either "extremely important" or "important," only about 68% of them are actually following through with the maintenance. The significance and communication of the significance of preventative maintenance to consumers requires further reinforcement. Maintaining vehicles is crucial for every driver to ensure safety, save money, and achieve the best possible performance. Begin today with the repair shop you trust.