The car is an incredible invention because it redesigns the idea of mobility. Owning a car is a necessity, considering the number of activities lined up in one day. A car is useful for a drive to work or dropping the kids off at school.
While it’s accepted that cars are of immense value, how well do you care for your car? Like humans or even pets, cars deserve the utmost attention regularly. However, scheduling an appointment with an auto mechanic is difficult for many reasons.
Data from Automotive Research shows a 92.1% delay in routine car maintenance. Why so? Finding the right time, amidst several daily responsibilities, to book a session with the mechanic is nearly impossible. Or maybe the repair costs aren’t friendly, especially for fixed-income earners.
When car owners delay routine maintenance, many problems are bound to occur. Your vehicle risks suffering a blown gasket, an engine oil leak, or worse—a defective brake. Getting your car serviced frequently by a certified repairman is a smart move.
This article illustrates the various advantages of routine auto maintenance. Read on to learn more.
Four Reasons Why a Routine Auto Maintenance is Important
Whether you drive a BMW X3 or a Mercedes-Benz SL, an auto mechanic has to service it at least once a year. Statista reports that American car owners spent a whopping USD 175 billion on car maintenance and repairs in 2020. The consumers captured in that data are intentional about car care, and so should you.
Below are four reasons supporting the frequent maintenance of an automobile.
- It Increases the Car’s Safety Levels
Occasional visits to the auto shop lessen the chances of experiencing a car breakdown in the future. Certain parts are less likely to fall from the car’s body so long as it enjoys constant care. When the mechanic detects and fixes a problem, you’re a problem short of having a faulty car.
- The Car Will Be in Top Shape
Handling is a major factor when shopping for a new Volvo or a used Audi. You want to know how well the steering is plus how much horsepower the engine promises. After buying either of the models, you should prepare for regular maintenance.
To prevent wear and tear, book an appointment today.
- It’s Cost-Effective
The repairman is most likely to hand you an expensive quote for car repairs. Meanwhile, getting the car serviced will cost less because you have prevented bigger car trouble. Repairing an engine oil leak will cost more than a general car check-up.
- It’s a Time-Saving Decision
In a fast-paced time, everyone wants a task performed yesterday. No one likes delays, especially when it’s because of vehicle repairs. A car may redefine mobility, but imagine what happens when that car grows a fault and demands urgent attention. You can either take the bus or the subway, two uneasy alternatives.
Periodic auto care eliminates the possibility of breakdowns and enhances your car’s performance.
Eight Key Benefits of Routine Auto Maintenance
Asides from driving the car, you need to preserve its health because it comes in handy for a long trip or a short city drive. Getting delayed because of a burst tire or a heated radiator is nobody’s wish.
Read on to discover the many advantages of getting your car looked at.
- It Avoids Breakdowns
Getting your vehicle towed after it stopped moving in a remote area can be difficult. The frustration increases when the area lacks a decent radio signal. Not servicing the car grows the risk of developing a fault. If you’re not interested in costly repair fees, then opt for a routine auto checkup.
- Better Fuel Consumption
As gas prices continue to soar, you wouldn’t like to stop multiple times for a refuel. When a car consumes more fuel than before, it points to a low fuel efficiency issue. Servicing a car at the right time boosts its fuel efficiency and saves you money.
- You Get a Longer Life Span
Someday, your car will run its course and it will spend its afterlife in the city junkyard. A car may malfunction after many years or it can stop working after only a year or two.
What separates a healthy car from a bad one is steady maintenance. Cars in excellent condition after many years often have a high resale value.
- Lower Carbon Emissions
Today, awareness about environmental sustainability has reached unprecedented heights. As car owners gradually switch from the popular groan of a petrol engine to the soft whirr of battery electric vehicle (BEV) engines, your car should meet the current emission standards. Cars in a bad shape always emit toxic fumes that pollute the environment.
Continual auto maintenance means that your car is less likely to harm the climate.
- It Maintains the Warranty
Buying the 2022 Volkswagen GTI comes with several benefits, one being the juicy warranty coverage. A car warranty means that the company will assume the burden of repairs in case of a breakdown. However, not tending to the car’s needs will negatively impact your warranty.
Car companies will deny warranty claims if the breakdown is caused by irregular maintenance.
- It Makes Car Ownership be Less of a Nightmare
Unlike landed properties, a car is regarded as a liability that requires round-the-clock monetary attention. However, heeding your dealership’s advice by cultivating a healthy auto care lifestyle lowers the risk of breakdowns and the money spent on repairs. Steady maintenance increases the resale value and performance of used cars.
- It Keeps the Tire Alignment in Check
When a car’s tires aren’t properly aligned, you will experience poor handling when on the road. To avoid this, schedule an appointment with your mechanic to safeguard your vehicle. No matter the distance, your car should always work fine.
- It Eliminates the Issue of Overheating
Parts of your car like the radiator and the transmission fluid ensure that the engine never overheats. An overheated engine will disrupt your drive and cost you thousands of dollars in engine replacement. To avoid car trouble, you should endorse the idea of vehicle care.
Five Maintenance Tips for Mercedes-Benz Models
Mercedes-Benz is an automaker packed with an illustrious history. Every model is made by a highly trained crew and boasts of the latest infotainment systems and designs. While owning a Mercedes S-Class or C-class is a joyous thing, such a beautiful ride deserves adequate care.
Below are five ways to lengthen your Mercedes’ lifespan with maintenance.
- Keep the Battery in Check
Without the battery, your Mercedes is as good as a junkyard vehicle. The battery enables the engine to start and also ensures that it always performs well. One way to maintain the battery is by paying attention to the battery port.
To do this, you need to detach the battery ports and use soda to clean the posts. After rinsing with water to expel the cleaning agent, allow the wet posts to dry out. Doing this ensures the battery from wear and tear.
- Keep an Eye on the Brakes
Like other parts, Mercedes’ brake pads will require a constant change to stay in top shape. Luckily, you can tell when your brake pads are due for a change. Simply browse the car’s manual to know when the brake pads should be changed.
- Ensure that the Tires are Always Inflated
Every morning, you’re likely to check your tires to know if any has deflated. Your tires must be in great shape so you don’t risk having an accident sooner or later. If you don’t know what the advised tire pressure is for your Mercedes, then consult the owner’s guide.
Or you can contact the repairman for more information. Asides from tire pressure, wheel alignment deserves close attention.
- Change the Engine Oil Frequently
Think of the engine as the life of your Mercedes, and engine oil as its soul. Your engine works perfectly when the oil is always changed and topped off. Doing this reduces the chances of suffering an engine knock on the road.
For Mercedes vehicles, the engine should either be topped or replaced after hitting 10,000 miles. Black oil signifies that an engine oil change is due. Driving without changing that oil is a major risk.
Engine oil in good condition always has an amber tint.
- Check that the Drive Belts are in Order
Similar to other auto brands, a Mercedes-Benz engine relies on the drive belt. They’re a power source that supplies electricity from the crankshaft to the alternator, air conditioning compressor, water pump, etc.
You should typically change the serpentine belt after reaching 40,000 miles. Doing this now prevents expensive repairs and a feeling of dissatisfaction.
Three Maintenance Tips for Audi Models
Audi models are high-performance vehicles capable of top speed. To maintain that and other impressive features, you should ensure that your Audi car is well taken care of by a licensed auto mechanic. Below are three smart tips for Audi care.
- Pay Attention to the Radiator
The radiator cools down the car engine so it doesn’t overheat and ultimately—knock. In harsh conditions, you’ll appreciate the radiator even more. Know that you’re expected to protect this helpful component, so be sure to top off the radiator.
You can also inspect for leaks, and upon discovering any, contact a mechanic instantly.
- Clean the Car Frequently
Although it sounds easy, washing an Audi model requires great care to maintain its exterior and interior beauty. If you have kids, chances are that they’ve spilled food or drinks on the floor mats or the chairs. Ensure that you use a vacuum cleaner to attain a neat interior.
If your busy schedule doesn’t allow for a comprehensive wash, then book a session at the neighborhood car wash.
- Check That the Indicators are Functional
Your Audi comes with several lights for multiple purposes and all should be in good condition. Routine checks will determine which lights need replacement before you hit the road.
Whenever the dashboard indicators flash intermittently, try to check it out. It may be a serious threat.
Two Maintenance Tips for BMW Models
Caring for your BMW car is a healthy habit that shouldn’t stop for any reason. Doing this keeps it in great shape and offers you a mind-blowing driver experience. Below are two amazing pointers for proper BMW care.
- Change the Engine Oil
To prevent a fat quote from the mechanic to replace a damaged engine, always change the engine oil. Since it depends on motor oil, ensure that the engine gets only high-quality oil. It would be unwise to gamble on substandard oil. When a change is due, never hesitate to do what’s necessary.
- Don’t Neglect the Steering System
When your steering system runs on polluted steering fluid, you are less likely to maintain control of the car. Imagine attempting a turn with an unresponsive steering wheel. That’s why you should change the fluid upon hitting 50,000 miles to preserve the car’s health and yours too.
- Replace the Spark Plugs Often
The spark plug helps the engine to run perfectly, so imagine what happens when they fail to meet the engine’s needs. Your engine type determines how soon a spark plug change is needed. Before embarking on a replacement run, confirm that the new ones are compatible with your BMW vehicle.
Closing Words
Don’t make the mistake of postponing car maintenance because of a tight schedule or expenses. Some auto shops offer flexible payment plans to cater to your needs. A couple of automakers like BMW can collect your car for a service.
While mechanics advise that you fix an appointment annually, there are newer ways to know when your car is due for a check. BMW has a unique technology that allows models to signal a check-up. Using parameters like service dates and mileage, the service interval indicator (SII) predicts when next you should visit the auto shop.
