Maintenance is one of the key things every new motorist needs to put in high priority upon the acquisition of a vehicle. Regular maintenance is part of a vehicle owner’s laundry list of responsibilities. Scheduling regular preventive maintenance goes a long way in preventing the onset of problems (and the expensive repairs they entail) down the line.
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Perhaps one of the main mistakes by first-time car owners is treating their first vehicle as a disposable one. Regardless of how long you intend to use a car, maintenance is something that shouldn’t be allowed to slip. Even if it looks like a piece of junk, a car can perform reliably when properly maintained.
One of the first things you should know about car maintenance is this: forget everything you hear from your neighbors and friends. Many of them are either spouting folk wisdom now known to be false or are referencing outdated principles that no longer apply to modern cars. All in all, it is best to consult two distinct sources: your car’s manual and a trusted mechanic. Your vehicle manual has all there is to know about your car’s basic maintenance schedules (including oil changes) and specific fuel needs.
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| Image source: primermagazine.com |
Besides sticking to the basic maintenance schedules, do also take the time to inspect the car every so often at random. Anything, be it unfamiliar sounds or anything out of the ordinary should be sent to a mechanic for examination. And while you don’t always have to learn how to change a car’s fluids (though it helps), it does make sense to cultivate the habit of checking them. This way, you’re not caught unaware.
Jeffrey Allen Dukes here, reminding you folks at home that going cheap and cutting corners is only going to make you pay big time in the future. Follow my blog for more on my thoughts about cars.
