With the cost of vehicles increasing, properly maintaining a car, SUV, or light truck to increase its lifespan is more important now than ever. Owners are encouraged to work with auto service centers to ensure all maintenance is completed at the appropriate times and repairs are made correctly. Here are a few advantages of keeping up with auto repairs and maintenance.
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Vehicles Last Longer
Routine maintenance allows vehicles to last longer. That means owners won’t have to replace a vehicle sooner than necessary due to excessive wear and tear. According to industry sources, the cost of a new car in December of 2022 was over 20 percent higher than in December of 2020. Since price increases are expected to rise even more in the coming years, delaying the need to purchase a new car is a financial necessity for many drivers. One key component of keeping a car running longer is proper auto repair West Islip.
Fuel Economy Improves
Over the past couple of years, gas and diesel fuel prices skyrocketed, leaving many people wondering how they’ll afford that next tank of fuel. To keep operating costs as low as possible, maintenance experts recommend staying abreast of all maintenance to ensure a vehicle operates as efficiently as possible. That means changing fluids as needed, keeping tires properly inflated, and replacing filters when needed. Of course, other maintenance is also required, but keeping up with the basics is always crucial.
Properly Maintained Vehicles are Worth More
When it’s time to sell or trade in a vehicle, a record of providing proper maintenance and repairs improves the vehicle’s value. That means sellers won’t have to finance as much to purchase their next vehicle. Buyers want to see records and expect the condition of the vehicle to match the records.
Maintained Vehicles Don’t Break Down as Often
No one wants to break down and need to call a tow truck to move their vehicle to a repair facility, but it happens. However, when vehicle owners maintain and repair their vehicles correctly, the odds of breaking down are significantly reduced. Towing fees, repair costs, and the inconvenience of dealing with a broken-down vehicle are stressful for owners, so taking steps to minimize the odds of a breakdown is worth the time and investment.
Choosing the Right Repair Facility
Dealerships always try to convince owners to bring their vehicles in for service, but dealing with independent shops is generally more cost-effective. Today’s top independent shops are equipped with the latest technology required to diagnose and repair modern vehicles for less. The one exception is when a repair would be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. If you’re unsure if a repair would be covered, call the shop for advice.
When selecting a shop to work with, pay attention to their credentials. Look for accreditation from ASE or similar organizations. In addition, look at the shop itself. Workers in a clean, organized, and well-equipped shop will generally take the same type of care with customer vehicles.
Develop a Relationship with a Shop Before Repairs are Needed
Automotive experts routinely recommend finding a shop you can trust before any significant repairs are needed. Start by visiting a shop to see how you’re treated. If you’re treated well, schedule routine maintenance to see how the shop performs. If all goes well, you can be sure the shop will be there when you need them.