A car is one of the biggest investments a person can make. Let’s face it, they usually aren’t cheap, even if you’re buying used, and some people spend 5+ years paying off a new car. So, the simplest way to make sure you get the most use out of your investment is to take care of your car. Basic care is the only real way to keep your car longer, stronger, and on the road for years to come.
Read on for our list of simple steps to keep your car longer:
Clean It
When you think about cleaning your car, you imagine a car wash, right? Well, heading to the car wash is an important step, but so is keeping your interior clean. Not only will a quick clean up daily/weekly keep your car looking nice, it will keep junk accumulation and excess weight out of your vehicle. A car weighed down by heavy items in the trunk or backseat is at risk of eating up your gas faster, and it can also lead to a sluggish ride, which isn’t great for your car over the long run. So, keep it clean, and keep the golf clubs in the house until you actually go golfing.
Pro Tip: Spring for a professional car wash cleaning instead of DIY. You’ll help conserve water that way!
Drive It
You’re not doing your car any good by having it sit unused in your garage. If you’ve found a way to survive without it, good for you! Maybe consider selling it if you aren’t using it. You can get cash for your car, even if it’s damaged and undriveable. But, if you’re dead set on keeping it, be sure to unplug the battery, try to drive it at least once every couple of weeks, and bring it into a mechanic for its predicted yearly replacement schedule. Just because you aren’t adding mileage doesn’t mean things aren’t getting old and in need of replacement.
Maintenance It
If you’re going to take one thing away from this list, let this be it. Stick to your maintenance schedule! Know your vehicle’s schedule by looking online or in your owner’s manual, and try to stick with it as closely as possible. Your mechanic, if you’re willing to ask questions, will also give you great advice when it comes to what repairs you can put off for a bit and which are must maintenance. Don’t ignore the warning lights on your dash, and keep up-to-date with your car’s needs.
More than likely, the money you spend when you first purchase a car won’t be the last you spend on it. Plan ahead, and leave a little room in your budget for emergency repairs and unexpected bumps in the road. If your car is beyond repair, or no longer worth the investment, give us a call. We’ll give you our best offer on cars in any condition: wrecked, used, old or non-running.
