When was the last time you took your car in for regular maintenance or other dealer services? If recently, then it’s probably in good-to-excellent running order. If it’s been a while, then you may want to take it into one of your local car dealerships for evaluation. According to recent figures, there are major costs associated with neglected cars–to the tune of over $2 billon per year.
Maintenance is an integral part of car ownership. Not only is it a good idea, but common sense, to protect your investment–and your safety–by taking your vehicle in for regular check-ups. These check-ups can usually be handled at local dealer services, including the auto dealer where you purchased your new or pre owned car or truck.
Maintenance and Your Used Vehicle
If you’ve been visiting used car dealerships to purchase a new-to-you car, did you know that previously owned vehicles account for three-out-of-four transactions? Furthermore, on average, each car or truck will tend to have three different owners.
Used vehicle sales are prevalent. In fact, during the first quarter of 2015, according to Edmunds, sales totaled 9.81 million. So, if you’re looking for used car dealer services in your area, there should be a variety of cars from which to choose.
When purchasing a used vehicle, however, it’s important to remember that it may have been owned by one or more people prior to you. That said, it’s even more important to determine when the vehicle last had a thorough maintenance check.
One of the major concerns with a used vehicle is mileage. Unfortunately, this is one of the areas where rampant fraud exists. On an annual basis, odometer fraud has cost consumers approximately $4 billion per year. The average rollback on used car odometers tends to be 15,000 miles.
Three Important Maintenance Requirements
Whether you have a just-off-the-factory-lot new car or a pre owned vehicle, it’s going to require regular maintenance. Do you know, for example, how often you should replace your tires? Basically, if the tread on your tires has worn down to approximately 6/32nds of an inch, you’re going to need new ones. It goes without saying that you should also have a spare tire on hand for emergencies.
What about rotating your tires? Your car’s manufacturer should have recommendations on how often you to do this; however, in general, they should be rotated about every 7,500 miles.
How often should replace your timing belt? According to The Car Care Council, your timing belt should be replaced between 60,000-to-90,000 miles. If you refer to your owner’s manual, however, you’ll be able to determine the manufacturer’s recommendations.
How often should you replace your breaks? In general, brakes are good for approximately 25,000-to-50,000 miles.
Saving on Car Insurance
Whether you have a just-off-the-factory-lot new car or a pre owned vehicle, it’s going to require regular maintenance. Do you know, for example, how often you should replace your tires? Basically, if the tread on your tires has worn down to approximately 6/32nds of an inch, you’re going to need new ones. It goes without saying that you should also have a spare tire on hand for emergencies.
What about rotating your tires? Your car’s manufacturer should have recommendations on how often you to do this; however, in general, they should be rotated about every 7,500 miles.
How often should replace your timing belt? According to The Car Care Council, your timing belt should be replaced between 60,000-to-90,000 miles. If you refer to your owner’s manual, however, you’ll be able to determine the manufacturer’s recommendations.
How often should you replace your breaks? In general, brakes are good for approximately 25,000-to-50,000 miles.
Saving on Car Insurance
If you live in an area where winter means snow and ice, it’s important to have winter tires. There are some insurance providers that offer a 5% incentive for purchasing–and installing–four winter tires on your vehicle.