Owning a vehicle can be expensive when you factor in fuel
and insurance costs, as well as the cost of fixing any problems. The last thing
you want to be doing is paying a huge amount of money to save your vehicle
following a major breakdown. Luckily, regularly maintaining your vehicle can
help save money by preventing any major problems developing down the road.
Preventive vehicle maintenance involves frequent inspections
and repairs that will keep your vehicle functional. Why wait for something to
go wrong and pay the price when you can keep your car operating at peak
condition at a fraction of the cost?
It’s something Mike Lies of Gold Compass Real Estate
understands. Mike and his company work across the Littleton region and
throughout Colorado, traveling the state by car. A long-time customer of The
German Car Shoppe, Mike Lies frequently travels to show homes and understands
the importance of regular vehicle maintenance.
Mike says he thinks of preventative maintenance as an
investment in his vehicle and ultimately in his business.
The simple act of maintaining your car can save money in the
following ways:
Spotting small issues
before they become big issues – Like any piece of machinery, a small problem
in a car can escalate into a major problem if left unchecked. What starts as a
minor issue could soon become very costly. Arguably, the most important ability
of regular maintenance is to spot these small problems before they become
irreparable, leaving your car needing new parts.
Keeping your vehicle
fuel efficient – Fuel economy is a hugely important aspect of vehicle
ownership. Many consumers buy cars based on their fuel efficiency. However,
some motorists forget that fuel efficiency decreases if measures are not taken
to maintain it. For example, properly inflated tires, traction balance, and oil
changes can ensure you get more miles per gallon.
Regular maintenance will ensure those areas are taken care
of, allowing you more time on the road for your money.
Extending vehicle
lifespan – If you have purchased an expensive or new vehicle, you are
within reason to expect it to last you many years. However, you cannot expect
longevity from your car if you do not look after it.
Regular maintenance on your vehicle keeps it in near-new
condition for longer and adds years to its lifespan.
Reduce the need for
emergency repairs – One of the best things about preventative maintenance
is you can choose when your car goes into the shop. You will not be forced into
the shop by an unforeseen problem and you can avoid the expensive cost of a tow
truck (typically hundreds of dollars).
Through preventative maintenance, you can choose the
mechanic you want, proactively solve problems, and know when to make a repair.
Typical Preventative
Vehicle Maintenance Procedures
Fluid Checks –
During a regular maintenance check, the mechanic will check the level of fluids
in your car and, importantly, the quality of those fluids. Of course, oil is
vital to the performance of your car. It is the fluid that needs to be checked
and changed most often. Other fluids are also checked, however, such as brake
fluid, radiator water, and windshield washer.
Air Filters –
Preventative maintenance includes regularly changing the air filter, which
should be swapped out about once per year.
Tire Pressure –
Tire pressure is important and affects the performance quality of your vehicle,
while also having an impact on fuel efficiency. Pressure that is too high or
too low is problematic. A regular check will ensure pressure matches
manufacturer specifications (typically between 30 and 35 psi).
Tire treads – On
the same theme, during a preventative maintenance check, your mechanic will
also keep an eye on the depth of tire treads. This will improve safety and can
boost the performance and handling of your car.
Brakes – Brakes
are probably your car’s most important safety feature. A second can make all
the difference when you need to avoid a collision.
It makes sense to ensure your brakes are always up to
standard. The best way to do this is through regular maintenance checks.
The listed checks are a fantastic start, but they are by no
means exhaustive. By sending your vehicle for regular maintenance checks, you
will find money can be saved in various areas throughout the vehicle.
