How to Make Sure That Your Car Doesn't Cost Much More Than It Should
Posted on: 2 November 2017
For most people, their home represents their largest single investment ever, but what comes second on that list? More than likely it is the automobile that they drive, and while they may have several vehicles during their lifetime, each one will nevertheless represent a significant draw on their wallet or purse. Consequently, it's very important to treat the car or truck that you have on your driveway very carefully and never take it for granted. How can you make sure that you don't lose too much money on every vehicle that you own?
Listen to What You're Told
Certainly, rule number one is to keep up with all the servicing requirements. The manufacturers do not simply suggest servicing intervals for the sake of it, but they do so to try and help you maintain the vehicle in its best condition. If you have missed a big service recently, don't delay any more, and take it into a mechanic as soon as possible. Also make sure that fluids are replaced when they should be and that you swap out parts that have passed their best days.
Buying Your Car a Gift
Most people understand how important it is to change the engine oil from time to time. Yet they may also want to give their car a special treat occasionally by adding petrol that is one grade higher than the usual blend. Certainly, the manufacturer may suggest a certain type of octane, but if you feed the car some premium fuel every other month, this may well help to extend the life of certain components. For example, the best quality fuel has a type of detergent built in that could help to clean out and extend the life of the fuel injector.
Well-Engineered Lubricants
However, do not use this type of philosophy when it comes to your engine oil. The internal combustion engine is a well-tuned component and is in itself designed to cope with big temperature changes and resist corrosion. The recommended engine oil is made specifically for that motor, and you don't have to choose anything with higher viscosity, as it may not be built to work with the specific tolerances of your car.
Your brake fluid is also a specialist and very precise product, and each different type is rated based on how it copes with a varying amount of heat. Remember, it works under extreme situations and is crucial in helping to keep you and your family safe. Always use the manufacturer's recommended product.
Putting up with Poor Technique
Finally, if you have a manual transmission in your car, you need to spend more time on this component than if it were automatic. This is because manufacturers build in a lot of tolerance to automatic transmissions and differentials, whereas the manual alternatives have to put up with a lot of poor driving technique and abuse. If you're somebody who tends to "crunch" those gears more than you should, make sure that you take the car in to change the lubricant and inspect the internals often.
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