The Basics Of Keeping Your Car Well-Maintained
One day, our vehicles may be self-sustaining, able to take care of themselves rather than our having to do it for them. Until then, we'll need to have the oil changed, tires rotated, and filters swapped out periodically. The fact is, if you want your car to run smoothly over the long haul, you'll need to have routine maintenance performed.
Fortunately, your owner's manual will spell out every maintenance item your automobile needs. It will even provide details regarding when you should have certain types of work performed. In this article, we'll explore a few common questions that drivers have about maintaining their vehicles.
The Owner's Manual Versus Your Mechanic
Why is it that your mechanic or auto technician recommends servicing that your owner's manual does not? The reason is simple: revenue. At an independent repair garage, mechanics often try to persuade customers to agree to work that may be unnecessary. While they probably won't suggest a new engine (unless you need one), they may recommend a brake job before your pads are fully worn. Or, they might suggest a transmission flush even though your car doesn't need one.
At a dealership, the service advisor will usually recommend a number of maintenance items that you don't need. It's important to realize that he gets compensated partly through commissions. The more he sells, the more money he makes. He might ask the mileage on your odometer, but that's usually because he has a list of services to recommend at each mile marker.
Your safest bet is to rely on your owner's manual. Not only does the car manufacturer know how to keep your vehicle running well, but it's in their best interest to make the most appropriate recommendations.
Doesn't A Warranty Cover Maintenance?
Auto warranties are a natural part of car ownership, yet many motorists don't know how far the coverage extends. Major parts, like the engine, transmission, and axles are covered. However, routine maintenance items like oil and air filters, oil changes, and rotating the tires are not. A lot of drivers visit the dealership thinking standard services are covered under the warranty. Then, when they arrive on the lot, the service advisor begins recommending unnecessary work. Read your warranty and learn what it covers.
Package Deals At The Dealership
The service department at your dealership will often create maintenance packages that bundle multiple services together for a single price. For example, they might offer an oil change, brake job, and filter changes for $100. Is it a bargain? First, determine which services you actually need. It may be time to change the oil, but do your brakes require changing? It does little good to save money on work that is unnecessary. Second, itemize the individual prices for each job being performed. Assuming your vehicle needs everything listed in the package, it is the only way to know whether the price is a good one.
Keeping your car well-maintained doesn't have to be expensive. The key is to follow your owner's manual and don't be easily swayed by your mechanic's recommendations. That way, you can be sure that your car will remain in good condition without breaking the bank. - 21392
Fortunately, your owner's manual will spell out every maintenance item your automobile needs. It will even provide details regarding when you should have certain types of work performed. In this article, we'll explore a few common questions that drivers have about maintaining their vehicles.
The Owner's Manual Versus Your Mechanic
Why is it that your mechanic or auto technician recommends servicing that your owner's manual does not? The reason is simple: revenue. At an independent repair garage, mechanics often try to persuade customers to agree to work that may be unnecessary. While they probably won't suggest a new engine (unless you need one), they may recommend a brake job before your pads are fully worn. Or, they might suggest a transmission flush even though your car doesn't need one.
At a dealership, the service advisor will usually recommend a number of maintenance items that you don't need. It's important to realize that he gets compensated partly through commissions. The more he sells, the more money he makes. He might ask the mileage on your odometer, but that's usually because he has a list of services to recommend at each mile marker.
Your safest bet is to rely on your owner's manual. Not only does the car manufacturer know how to keep your vehicle running well, but it's in their best interest to make the most appropriate recommendations.
Doesn't A Warranty Cover Maintenance?
Auto warranties are a natural part of car ownership, yet many motorists don't know how far the coverage extends. Major parts, like the engine, transmission, and axles are covered. However, routine maintenance items like oil and air filters, oil changes, and rotating the tires are not. A lot of drivers visit the dealership thinking standard services are covered under the warranty. Then, when they arrive on the lot, the service advisor begins recommending unnecessary work. Read your warranty and learn what it covers.
Package Deals At The Dealership
The service department at your dealership will often create maintenance packages that bundle multiple services together for a single price. For example, they might offer an oil change, brake job, and filter changes for $100. Is it a bargain? First, determine which services you actually need. It may be time to change the oil, but do your brakes require changing? It does little good to save money on work that is unnecessary. Second, itemize the individual prices for each job being performed. Assuming your vehicle needs everything listed in the package, it is the only way to know whether the price is a good one.
Keeping your car well-maintained doesn't have to be expensive. The key is to follow your owner's manual and don't be easily swayed by your mechanic's recommendations. That way, you can be sure that your car will remain in good condition without breaking the bank. - 21392
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