Buying a new car certainly is nice, but the monthly payments! Oh my! Between the car payments, insurance and regular maintenance, the expenses can add up. What would you say if we told you that by investing in regular maintenance you could double, maybe even triple the life of your vehicle? If you have been taking care of your vehicle, it’s certainly possible to keep it running well for a very long time. In fact, by keeping up with maintenance on your current vehicle, not only will you save on the new car payment, you will also save money on unexpected car repairs and when it comes to filling up at the pumps. If all this sounds like a good idea to you, we have a list of 8 things you can do to extend vehicle life.
- Fluids and Parts – During routine services like oil, filter and coolant changes, make sure the shop to which you bring your vehicle uses high-quality fluids and filters. The same goes for replacement parts. It may cost you a little more for the service, but it will be more beneficial as your vehicle begins to age and will help you extend vehicle life.
- Maintain the Cooling System – Your vehicle’s cooling system is extremely important to the functioning of the engine. When it’s not maintained properly, your vehicle is at risk for overheating and corrosion of internal engine parts. Have the coolant protection checked and replaced when needed. Change any worn belts or hoses before they fail. Doing so will protect your engine from sustaining major damage.
- Service the Transmission – This is an area often overlooked by vehicle owners. The Owner’s Manual for your vehicle will let you know the recommended schedule for transmission fluid and filter replacement. It’s also a good idea to check the fluid level and condition each month. If the transmission fluid has a burnt smell or its color is dark brown or black (instead of red), there’s a problem with the transmission. If you notice even the slightest problem with the transmission, have it checked out before it becomes a bigger problem, like a complete transmission rebuild or replacement.
- Replace the Timing Belt Before It Breaks – This is true of any belt on your vehicle, but especially so when it relates to the timing belt. The Owner’s Manual will identify the miles at which the belt should be replaced. Timing belt replacement is one of the more expensive jobs to have done on a vehicle. However, if you wait too long and the belt ends up breaking, the costs for engine repair or replacement will far exceed the cost of replacing the belt.
- Tires, Brakes and the Suspension System – All three of the items listed are responsible for keeping your vehicle in contact with the road surface. Underinflated, overinflated, balding or bulging tires are a safety hazard. So are brakes that aren’t functioning properly and a suspension system that is faulty. Rotate the tires regularly, keep them inflated properly, have them aligned periodically, and when you see signs of excessive wear and tear, replace them. Don’t drive a vehicle with brakes that aren’t up to snuff. We can do a brake inspection to let you know whether or not you need new brake pads. The same thing goes for the suspension system. If you hear clunking sounds when you turn the steering wheel or you notice excessive bounce and sway, our ASE-certified mechanics can check out your suspension system.
- Don’t Ignore Signs of a Problem – Be observant when you drive. If you feel like something isn’t right, you see a leak, you hear a funny sound or there’s an odd odor coming from your vehicle, there’s a problem. Have it checked before something major happens. Of course, we are always here to take a look.
- Garage-kept Vehicles Last Longer – We get that not everyone has a garage. If you do, keep your vehicle in it to protect it from air pollutants and the elements.
- Keep Your Vehicle Clean – Wash and wax the exterior, including the underbody. Keeping the outside clean will help preserve the paint finish. By cleaning road salts from the underbody, you will prevent rust and corrosion from occurring on brakes and the suspension system. While you are cleaning the outside, vacuum the inside, clean the carpeting, and apply a protectant to leather or vinyl surfaces.
The simplest way to keep up with maintaining your vehicle is to bring it to our auto repair shop located in Verona, New Jersey. At Luke’s Auto Service, we keep a detailed service history and will let you know when the next service is needed for a particular system. If we notice a part that is beginning to wear out, we will let you know so you can have us replace it before you end up stuck on the side of the road somewhere. Make sure you are doing everything to extend vehicle life. Give us a call today to schedule your next vehicle maintenance service.