A car is not a cheap thing. The average new one costs an incredible $34,000, and even used ones can often be quite pricey. But cars aren’t optional for many individuals. Without them, some people can’t get to work. That means that they have to plunk down a big chunk of change once in a while (or take out lots of debt) in order to get a car.
But how often you have to do that is, to a large degree, up to you. If you treat your vehicle poorly, you’re bound to have to return to the dealership sooner rather than later. But if you make smart decisions and are careful about the ways in which you care for and use your vehicle, one vehicle could last for years and years. Here’s how to keep your car running as long as possible.
Choose the right vehicle
Caring for your vehicle is, of course, something that you do after you buy it, but the decisions that you make at the dealership can make all the difference in how easy or difficult it is to keep your car on the road.
Some cars are simply more reliable than others in that some models are faster, roomier, or safer than others. If you take the time to do your research and shop at a trustworthy car dealership in Enfield, CT, you’ll be able to focus on choices that will deliver the reliability and low maintenance costs that you want.
You should also consider depreciation rates and resale values so that, when you do finally return to the dealership, you’ll be able to trade your old vehicle in for as much as possible.
Read that warranty
Before you commit to a mechanic, you should run through your car’s warranty information and make sure that you aren’t voiding any warranties or guarantees should you choose to get work done on your own. Some warranties require you to use dealer mechanics or dealer-approved ones, so be sure to verify that whatever you need to get done, it won’t void your warranty.
Get a great mechanic
You’re not going to keep your car running forever on your own. If you want to get the best out of your vehicle, then you’ll need to team up with a great mechanic. Look for a mechanic who is fully certified, suggest the experts at New York Auto & Diesel Institute, a school that offers automotive, diesel and collision repair academic programs. A fully-trained mechanic will know what they are doing, and you’ll know a fully trained mechanic by their certifications. The ASE certification is particularly common, and it’s a good one to look for before you commit to a mechanic.
Other ways to find a great mechanic include asking friends, inquiring at your dealership, and reading online reviews. Try to land a mechanic who specializes in your particular make of vehicle.
Invest in preventative maintenance
It should be obvious that, when a mechanic recommends work, you get that work done. But too many people try to save some money in the short-term by putting off maintenance and repairs.
Over time, your car will become less reliable. All of its parts depend on one another, and any issue — including lack of maintenance or a noticeable problem that needs to be repaired — can accelerate the decline of your car and cause other problems. In other words, if you wait to get work done, you’ll have to get more (and more expensive) work done.
Drive wisely
Between trips to the dealership, you can enjoy the fine performance of your vehicle, but don’t enjoy it too much, because reckless driving can destroy your vehicle. Aside from the obvious crash risk, aggressive driving can wear down your engine and your brakes. So accelerate smoothly, brake gently, and take turns at reasonable speeds — your car will last longer if you do.
